AsYa FF: Destiny Comes Calling (suspended) #2 *Note* 3/12/13 Pg 26

It such a wonderful feeling to be starting a new thread. Thanks to every single one of you for commenting and liking my FF, encouraging me to continue. If it were not for you guys, this day would not have come.

Here is the Link to Thread #1

Chapter 21: Bitter Truths

Chapter 23: Another Day in Paradise

Note

Chapter 21: The bitter truths

The car ride was filled with silence. Neither spoke as they were both busy with their own thougts.

Zoya was beginning to worry now. She had been in India 3 weeks and had another week and a half left. She was really hoping that something materializes from her meetings at the various newspaper offices today. She was also starting to feel that it was best they were going to work with a PI. She was glad she discussed it with Phoopi and got support from her and Mr. Khan. She just realized that in the hurry to leave, she forgot to mention the PI to Anwar. She sent him a quick text and smiled seeing his prompt response.

Asad observed her texting someone from her phone. Her gloom from earlier was replaced with her effervescent smile. Control yourself Asad. Focus. He reprimanded himself.

His thoughts went to her laughing with Azam, an image he was having a hard time erasing. He was trying his best to stay out of her away and ignoring her, lest he said something to her that he would regret later. It was also bothering him that her closeness to Azam was troubling him so much. He had wondered a few times if he was jealous, but then he convinced himself that he was just being protective of her and upset that she was so casual and free with a hardened flirt like Azam. Asad, who was Azam's closest pal and confident since childhood, had been privy to all of his escapades in his boarding schools and then the university in London. Afterall, it was during the narration of one such tale that they had nearly come to blows since his comment had been too close to home.

Since that day 10 years ago they had been in each other's lives but mostly on the periphery except for when Azam stepped in to help Asad setup his business 6 years ago. As a sign of gratitude, Asad agreed to launch Chaand Bi, with the help of his Ammi ofcourse, in society when Azam approached him with that proposal two years ago. That was another thorn between them. Azam had tried to reconcile, but this new drama was beyond Asad's comprehension.

Their visits to the offices came to naught. Each of them had pretty much the same thing to say - Itne purane records kahan se milenge? Yeh to aapne zor diya to humne koshish ki. [How is one to find such old records? You were compelling and hence we tried.]

Disheartened but not yet defeated, Zoya made her way into the dingy little shack that was the PI's office. Zoya was a little hesitant when she approached the locality, but Mr. Khan assured her that this man was the best in the business and if anyone could find her Abbu, it was him.

Zoya poured out all the details to him including everything she knew and had found out. Once she was done giving all the information, she waited with bated breath for his response. But all she got in return was a poker faced stare. Finally after a while he spoke up.

"Madam, ek baat bolu, bura mat maniyega? [Madam, can I say something, if you don't mind?]" When she did not respond, he continued.

"Why are you doing this? You have had a good life, a set of parents who love you as their own. Why this obstinacy about finding your birth father? Agar usko aapse pyaar hota, aapki zarrorat hoti, aapki parvah hoti to puri duniya ek nahi kar deta aap ko dhoondhne mein? Jo itni asani se yeh maan betha ki aap Allah ko pyari ho gayi hain, aise insaan ko jaan kar aap kya haasil karengi? Aapki life achi hain, kyon gade murde ukhadne hain aapko? [If he loved you, needed you, wouldn't he have searched for you? What will you gain by meeting the person who gave up on you so easily? You have a good life, why do you want to dig up the past?]"

His words fell like hot bricks on Zoya's ears. Her eyes immediately welled up with tears, her lips quivered as she tried hard not to burst into tears. It was not that he had said something that she had not reflected before. But hearing her darkest fears verbalized so blatantly to her face, had immediately made the reality even bleaker.

She squeezed hard on the arms of chair, she sat on, turning her hands cold and drained of color. Her eyes focused on the dancing hula girl that sat on the table in front of her as she attempted to form an answer.

She felt a hand on her hand while a comforting arm went around her shoulder, squeezing them lightly lending her some emotional support. She was glad Mr. Khan offered her the support, since was afraid she might have melted into a puddle on the floor. Her heart and thoughts raced beyond her control and she could not form a sentence to save her life.

"And what does that have to do with you and your job? You are being paid to do the job and not provide unsolicited advice. If you think you can do the job, accept it. Else, stop wasting our time." His loud, booming voice echoed in the small office. When his hands banged on the table, as he stood up to approach the PI, it rattled the tiny curios on the table. His man face was mere inches away from the man who sat trembling across the table.

Zoya eyes went wide with horror. She had never in her 23 years of life heard so much anger in anyone's voice. She stared at Mr. Khan as his blood shot eyes dared the man to utter another word. She was afraid for the poor man who had not said anything but the truth.

"Mr. Khan? Please." She requested him only to be glared at. She saw his expression soften, when his eyes rested on her face. She smiled through her tears and continued to speak now that she had his attention.

"Please don't. It's not his fault. He only stated the obvious, the truth I have been turning a blind eye all along." She turned towards Mr. Rane next and addressed him. And then she noticed, that after the momentary shudder, the man was back in control. A cool and calculated smile replaced the terrified look.

"Yes you are right, I may not get any pleasure from this exercise. Chances are the truth that will come forth in the end, will only hurt me more. But once I have questioned the man myself, I can atleast hope for a closure." Her voice shook, but her determination did not.

"Thank you madam." He responded as he eyed Asad suspiciously. "I needed to make sure that this is what you really want, you will not change your mind later. Also, let me caution you, based on my experience, I am smelling a rat here. Somethings are not falling in place and I have a feeling that there was some conspiracy in place. It's only my hunch based on my experience, and I could be wrong. But it is my duty to prepare you for all the possibilities. I would hate to be in a position where I lose my payment because you did not like what you found out. This is afterall my living." He gave a hesitant smile, his eyes darting to Asad every once in a while.

"We understand." Zoya spoke for the two of them. It was a good thing too, because Asad was not sure he could speak civilly to the man at this moment.

Rane asked them to provide with all the material they have namely the picture, copies of the newspaper clippings and the earring. Zoya in her haste had not brought it along and promised to bring it to him the next day. Once the details and formalities were completed, Zoya and Asad headed home.

The car ride back home was silent again. But this time it was because they each that things to talk about but were not able to articulate their thoughts. They started off a couple times, but the words did not come out.

Finally once they were parked in the drive way of the Khan Villa, Zoya managed to thank Asad. Their eyes met and it was a moment of reconnect for them, one where words held no meaning. The discomfort from the morning was long gone and it was replaced with something much more meaningful and deep rooted.

Zoya felt gratitude for his help to her so far and more for the unspoken and spoken support that he had provided her with today. Asad on the other hand felt proud of the waif like girl with her steely determination.

It was only when another car honked behind their's in the driveway that the eyelock ended.

XXX

Zoya went back to the library the next morning to make copies of the newspaper clippings. She also made copies of the earring and the photo for the PI.

Asad had offered to take her to the PI, but she had declined stating that it would not make sense for him to waste time while she went and got all the information from the library. He had, however, insisted that she take the car with the driver since he did not want her to go to the PI's office alone. He was still not sure about the man and the area he had his office in was shady too.

When the PI saw the picture, he suggested that they make a digital copy of the picture. It will enhance it to make the faces clear. It would take a few days to get it done properly, but he felt ceratin that it was possible with the new technology.

He also informed her that he will start with her mother's village to find her uncle. If the neightbour did not know where he went or where he lives, it did not mean no one does. There would be some friend/acquaintance who will able to point them in the correct direction. He promised to contact her as soon as he had more information.

On her way back home, Zoya was lost in her thoughts. She really needed to find a way to extend her stay in India. The confidence that the PI showed this morning had helped her regain her own confidence. She figured that now that the search was being carried out by the professionals, she could concentrate on getting her visa's extended. Maybe a lawyer could give her advice on what can be done. Afterall, there always are some loopholes that she can take advantage of. Coming to a decision, she found herself relaxing.

She sat staring out the window, as she thought back to events of last night.

--- Flashback Begin---

She had been sitting in her room, trying to collect her thoughts after the events of the day. This was her time to reflect, away from the prying eyes of the world. In front of everyone, her faade of chirpiness never faltered except from some rare occasions. But as soon as she was in the closed confines of her room, her feelings and thoughts replaced the put up exuberance.

She still needed to take Jaan for his last walk before they both called it a night, but her inner turmoil was taking over her sense of time. The questions that Rane had asked her, were not new to her, but they still bothered her every single time. She had herself considered them while growing up. Why was it so important for her to know her blood relatives? She had convincingly responded to him, but she was asking herself the same questions again. Why was this important to her?

Yes she needed to know why she was so easily abandoned, but was there more to it. Did she really want to connect with her roots? Would she truly get the closure she seeked? Will she be able to overcome that slight awkwardness that always existed on her side when it came to addressing Zeenat and Anwar as parents? They were her true parents afterall. Just giving birth did not make anyone a parent.

As a child, she was not that reluctant to address them as such, yes it was difficult since she knew and understood her relation with them. But it was not that hard. But as Humeira grew up and realized that Zoya was adopted, she never left a chance to remind her. Maybe it was her own insecurities that made Humeria act out, but despite everything they had all tried, nothing worked. Things had started to get out of hand as she reached her teenage years. She started to rebel, and Zoya thought it was best if she chose to go to a University away from home than to make matters worse for Humeria. She could not see her baby sister going down the path of self-destruction. The guilt was eating her up. And once she was done with her education, Zoya decided to come to India to get her answers.

---Flashback to continue---

---

Rivs

I really feel bad for Zoe..she needs to get a lead soon...and glad that this Asad is not a jerk😆

awesome update :)

I am trying my best...

Thanks

Well I don't plan on going into the conversation really...I have not thought this through, but the back story for why Asad changed is there...so hopefully that will get u some answers...😆

Arrey Zoe will find her Abbbu in the end fikar not...but before that she will find lourve...😆