The Mark of Innocence: Chapter 9 Pg 108 - Page 66

Eight

The next few weeks saw Zoya's relationship with her new found friends strengthen and grow, the only person that maintained her distance was Tanveer, who although kept formal with her interactions made it quite clear that she did not like Zoya.

As the group sat in the canteen talking and laughing a group of students came round distributing leaflets. They leaflets were promoting the college's night of performing arts, which was held every year for. Students were invited to perform solo or group acts to the rest of the college something that ended the first semester and marked the beginning of Christmas and New Year's holiday.

Although it was not compulsory majority of the students were encouraged to take part. The whole canteen started buzzing with excited chatter. 'Why don't we do something together as one big group, I mean we will have a bit of everything, dance, music and drama' Humera suggested, 'not bad idea, count me in' Priya said, who was then followed by Ayaan and Tanveer. 'How about you two? You guys in?' Zoya looked at Asad, he could see that she wanted to be a part of this but for some reason was hesitating 'yeah, sure why not, I think it will be fun' Asad said giving her a reassuring smile. Zoya wanted to be part of the group but something inside held her back, something that said she would only participate if he did.

Humera and Zoya went to the production head, who was organising the performing arts night and submitted their groups entry. 'Right that means we have exactly three weeks until the curtain raiser...we are going to need to put in some extra hours' 'before then we need to work out who will be doing what, maybe we should meet after college today' Zoya suggested.

Zoya sat back trying not to laugh at everyone shouting over one another, Humera and Ayaan were on the verge of a physical punch up and Priya kept shouting like there was no tomorrow. 'Can you guys just SHUT UP...' Asad said in a loud roar, the minute he did they all became silent and sat back down 'thank you...why you need to behave like caged animals is beyond me...it's simple, Humera, Ayaan and Priya can focus on the acting, Zoe and Tanveer on the dance and I will do the music'. 'I would prefer to do the music with you, I am not much of a dancer' Tanveer said, there was no way she was prepared to work with Zoya and if she concentrated on the music it would give her more time with Asad. 'Ok fine, you can do the music with me and Zoe, you can dance...now is everyone happy?' Zoya knew why Tanveer had refused to work with her, but what she found upsetting was that she never once made out that she liked Asad, she was as close to him as anyone else sitting here, yes she had only known him for 3 months or so, but she was just his friend, so why Tanveer felt so insecure was beyond her.

After another long screaming session they had finally decided on the theme of their performance.

Humera and Ayaan were going to play the part of two people in love that were separated by a natural disaster, and after having face days of torture thinking they had lost one another for ever they are reunited.

Priya was going to be the voice over, who would do a lot of the narrating.

Asad and Tanveer would do a short background score and after having sought Zoya's approval was going to sing the song that they had composed together.

Zoya was going to finish their act off with a dance that depicted the joy and happiness of one who had just been reunited with their true love.

Zoya passed a few lines that she had written to Asad 'I know it's not much but what do you think, does it go with what we have done?' she asked looking at him. Asad read and re read her words, he was speechless, they truly were amazing 'wow, Zoe this is really good, not only have we managed to finish the assignment but we have something that goes really well for the performance' Zoya smiled at him happy that he approved, she held her hand up which he high fived 'I think we make quite the tag team' he said keeping hold of her hand 'I agree' she said laughing.

At the same time Humera, Ayaan and Tanveer came to join them 'what are you two so happy about?' Ayaan said sitting down 'about being together' Zoya said not realising how it sounded. Humera and Tanveer looked at her wide eyed, as soon as she realised what she had said she quickly corrected herself 'I mean about working together...as a team' Asad who also looked at her with wide eyes started laughing. Zoya tried to avoid Tanveer who was giving her looks that seriously could cause some damage.

On route back to their halls Humera's overactive mind started cooking up something. she called Ayaan to speak to him 'Humera, are you serious, you know that could never happen' 'why not, it has been years Ayaan, isn't it time that Bhai moved on...come on even you have to admit that both Bhai and Zoe share such great chemistry, he has never gotten close to anyone' Humera saw how Asad was with Zoya and somewhere, somehow she was able to read between the lines. She had never seen Asad open up to anyone, or let anyone come near him, but his relationship with Zoya made her think that it could be possible.

Although Ayaan didn't share her thinking Humera was sure that with a little encouragement Asad and Zoya could come together. That evening Humera went to Zoya's room to see if she could plant a seed, one that she hoped would grow and flourish.

As they talked about things in general Humera speaking about herself subtly moved on to the topic of relationships 'do you believe in soul mates...you know like there is only one person that you can really connect with?' Zoya looked her 'yes I do...I believe you can love many people but can only ever truly be in love with one person, and that person would be your soul mate, someone that Allah destined for you...why do you ask?' 'No reason, I know Ayaan is mine, I could never imagine being in love with anyone else...I know you have already answered this question but is there really not anyone you like, I mean you get on with so many people, and have made so many friends since you started...no one takes your fancy?' Zoya let out a sigh 'not anyone I could fall in love with...because you can only ever fall in love once...I mean that's what I believe anyway'.

Humera looked at her intently and then it clicked 'Ya Allah, that means you already are in love...who...come on Zoe you have to tell me who is it and why don't we know about him' Zoya started to giggle at Humera's facial expressions and bouncing body 'it is no one from here, someone I met in Delhi a very long time ago, someone that left me...I don't know where he is...I really don't know anything about him' Zoya's eyes moistened as she thought about Asad. Humera's heart started to sink she quickly went to sit closer to her 'I am sorry Zoe, I didn't mean to upset you...why did he leave you? I mean if he did why are you still holding on to him, isn't it time to move on?' Zoya shook her head 'no, I can't just forget him Humera, I may have been young and to you or anyone else it will seem strange but he is a part of me, if I let go of him I will lose myself too, his memories, his love and friendship is what keeps me going, I could never let anyone take his place no matter what I could never betray him'.

Humera couldn't help the tears that escaped her eyes 'a love so true, a love so innocent...how do you do it Zoe' 'I don't know, I just follow my heart...and I have faith in Allah that one day I will meet him again' 'you are just like Leo...and here I was trying to fix you two up' Zoya looked at Humera with a gasp, Humera started laughing through her tears 'yes...I know. If I had known this I would never have thought about it...I just saw you and Leo together...and you looked perfect, I thought maybe with a little encouragement I could at least get you to pursue him...I never realised that you were sitting in the same boat...who would have thought that two people who have become so close, such good friends have a similar past'.

Zoya hugged Humera 'you are a total sweetheart...thank you for caring so much...but I think me and Leo are perfect just as good friends, we both hold on a past that neither one of us are willing to let go of'.