Here I am with your double whammy. Firstly thank you to all of you who have congratulated me for my third thread, it is only because of you I have managed to get this far..
Hope you like the chapters. Please do read the note at the end, it will hopefully answer your raised eyebrows lol
FORTY NINE
Zoya hugged Asad for the hundredth time, not that he minded but if she hung on any longer he was sure to miss his flight. 'Zoya, I really have to go' he pulled her back and kissed her cheek take care of yourself, I'll call you as soon as I land' Zoya gave him a loving smile before finally let go of him allowing him to leave.
The next two weeks flew by Zoya was engrossed with her work enjoying every free minute with her new found friends as well as keeping in touch with old ones. Zoya had never been happier her life was full of everything she desired and wished for, she was coming to the end of her exchange programme and after the final exhibition in Italy she would return home and finally be with her loved ones. So much had happened within the last year even though it was not all good, she still had everything to thank Allah for she was coming out a complete winner in every way.
Zoya had been having regular supervision via conference calls with Mr Mohan and Emilia making sure she was on track and would be finished on time. They were had approved of her work she had sent them a document that explained her idea and concept The Colour of Love was something close to her heart it was inspired by her own life experiences, as Zoya thought back to the various stages of her life she remembered the book she was given by the old man. Zoya took some time out to sit in the library, she had attempted to read this book that was coincidently of the same title but never managed to get beyond the first page.
As Zoya sat down she started to read the book, there was little writing the book was full of pictures and illustrations, as she flicked through the pages Zoya's eyes widened she felt a thrust of cold air freeze over her, she felt her chest constrict as she looked on in disbelief.
What she saw could not be true, Zoya could almost feel the room spin 'how could this be? How is this possible?' she kept asking herself. Every page every picture every frame was a true representation of her life from the time she had lost her parents to the present, it was like someone had captured every moment, every emotion, every aspect of her life on canvas and put it together.
A strange sense of fear overcame her she closed the book and pushed it away from her, what was it? A voodoo book was it possessed, was it magical? How was it that something so old could be so true to her life? Zoya sat there staring at this book, she had lost all colour and started feeling as everything was closing in she needed to get out, she stuffed the book back into her bag and ran out into the open field trying to regain her breath.
The book was a replica of her whole life even her work she was doing now. Zoya thought back to the old man who seemed so mysterious, what was he, was he even real? 'Stop Zoya you're going mad' she scolded herself as she tried to look for logic. As she stood there she heard a familiar voice call out to her 'hey how are you?' Jina asked as she approached her Zoya stood still not able to respond, Jina looked at her a little miffed 'Zoya you ok, you look like you have just seen a ghost' Zoya registered the word ghost she looked at Jina 'gh...ghost' Zoya shook her head 'no...I mean yes I'm fine just one of those days' what was Zoya supposed to say it was something that she could not even comprehend how was anyone else going to ever believe her.
That night she called Asad and told him everything that had happened, Asad could not hold back his laughter anymore 'Asad, why are you laughing at me...I am serious...Asad stop it it's not funny' Zoya was getting more than annoyed 'I'm sorry...it's just that...' Asad couldn't talk as he continued to laugh '...ahem...Zoya how is that even possible come on you're talking about magic and witch craft, things like that only exist in children's books not real life' 'fine' Zoya spat out 'if you don't believe me then I will show you, when I come home I will show you the book and then you tell me if I am going mad or not' Asad took a deep sigh still trying not to laugh 'Zoya you are not mad...there has to be a logical explanation...look stop stressing about the book just concentrate on finishing up...I can't wait to see you again I miss you so much' Zoya smiled, she missed him too and it didn't take long for her to forget about the book and lose herself in what Asad was saying.
It was the last week, Zoya had miraculously finished on time, she was given the option of flying out to Italy to start preparing for the exhibition but she chose to wait, she didn't want to fly out alone she wanted to wait for Jina and Farhan. Farhan's family was going to be accompanying him, this exhibition was his first big one, and as proud parents they weren't going to miss it for anything. Zoya thought about her family, it would have been so good if they were also be there for her, but she knew with Najma so heavily pregnant Humera would need to be with her, and her parents wouldn't be able to take time off at such short notice and Mr Khan would be caught up in a million things.
As days past everyone started to wind up and, the courier company was scheduled to pick up everyone's paintings and other bits of work two days before they flew out, making sure that it arrived in time. Zoya met her little gang at the airport they had all checked in a little early so made the most of walking around duty free. Suhana kept her entertained and she was able to keep her away from Farhan and Jina who were too loved up to notice anyone else around.
After an extremely tiring and testing journey they landed in Rome, a small minibus had come to collect them and took them straight to the hotel. Zoya couldn't keep still, the thought and excitement of meeting up with her friends was too much to contain. As soon as she put her bags down she went to see Esha and Abdul 'I am just going to go to the Art House, if I am late please continue with your dinner plans' as soon as Zoya excused herself she made her way down to Quaker House.
As Zoya went up she found no one to be around 'the student bar' she said to herself knowing very well where her friends would be she ran back down as she entered she heard the loudest scream ever 'Zoyaaa...oh my gosh' Ayla screamed with joy and ran towards her almost knocking Leo off his chair. What followed were tears of joy laughter and long conversations everyone had so much catching up to do. Zoya had missed out on so much. Feroze and Soniyah had become a couple and Ayla's parents had introduced her to someone, she was getting to know him before she gave the go ahead for the alliance to take place. Zoya was so happy to see them and how they had all progressed in a short space of time.
Zoya sent a message to Asad, Humera and her mum as promised that she had landed safely and was all settled. Before she went to bed she went to say good night to Farhan and his family, Jina had already knocked out, the long journey had all been too much for her. Esha kissed Zoya and told her to rest and that she would see her at breakfast, Zoya agreed and returned to her room and in no time fell asleep.
FIFTY
Zoya spent the morning with Emilia and then met her friends for lunch, she introduced Farhan and Jina who fitted in straight away, all that was missing were Sara and Sahil, she had never thought that life would be so kind to her, she was overwhelmed as she sat there looking at her group of friends, people she had become so close to, so attached to. She couldn't help feeling a little sad when she thought about the day she would have to leave them all behind was nearing. At that point she made a promise to herself that she would never lose contact she would remain a part of their lives and vice versa for as long as she lived.
As Zoya witnessed everyone's family members coming out in support of her colleagues she couldn't help feeling a little disappointed. She called Asad asking him if he could take time out to come for two days but as usual Asad was busy with a conference call so she spoke to Aman then Ayaan. Ayaan wasn't sure if Asad could make it as after the whole Tanveer incident everything was being audited and double checked, Ayaan went on to complain how Asad had become a mean working machine and was driving everyone crazy, Zoya couldn't help smiling knowing exactly what he meant, she felt more than sorry for the workers. Ayaan sensed Zoya's disappointment and said that he would try and make Asad take time out but he could not promise her anything. Feeling a little dejected Zoya went to spend the evening with Esha and Abdul, they always made her feel better; when they were around she didn't feel like she was alone and Suhana always did a great job of distracting her, taking her away from any bad thoughts or feelings.
As it was their first time in Italy Farhan's family planned the next two days visiting every major tourist attraction. Jina and Farhan accompanied them on the first day but then decided to split up and do their own sightseeing. They were cute as a couple,even after so many weeks of being together they couldn't help blushing whenever they held each other's hand. 'When we get back I would like you to meet my family' Jina said shyly. Jina had a sister who lived in Sydney and her parents who lived and worked in Malaysia, they were planning to come to visit her in Melbourne for her birthday, the perfect opportunity for Farhan to be formally introduced to them. 'That would be perfect' he said smiling as they continued to walk around the Coliseum.
It was the day before the big event the Art House had never seen so much activity before people from far and wide had started to come. Everyone's work had arrived and was being set up by specialists in the grand hall, there were no words that could describe or even begin to justify the magnificence of the work displayed or how the hall looked, it literally took your breath away. As the respective students finalised their displays, nerves started to bounce around, this occasion was huge, it's what every aspiring artist dreamed of and for Zoya this certainly was a dream come true.
All everyone had was pure admiration for each other's hard work and efforts; they had certainly done themselves, their families and the Art House proud. Zoya spent the evening talking to her family who were wishing her luck and also apologising for not being able to be with her. Zoya understood, as much as she wanted them to be with her she still had her new surrogate family by her side. 'Zoya, Asad is still caught up with work, he is trying to finalise the designs for London Fashion Week, with everything else having gone on he has fallen behind' Najma was in her sweet way trying to justify and excuse her brothers nonattendance 'Najma its fine, I know how important his work is, I am ok. I have everyone here with me' I will call you all tomorrow evening to let you know how everything went...and Najma can you please get him to call me I haven't spoken to him since I arrived' 'of course Zoya, you take care and good luck sweetheart all our prayers and best wishes are with you'.
It was finally D day. Zoya, Farhan and Jina had stayed with everyone at Quaker House; the place was running mad, everyone was rushing around getting ready making sure they looked perfect. They looked more than perfect, the guys wore suits and the girls' dresses that complimented them beyond words. As Zoya walked in she saw a familiar face, one that she had not seen in three months, it was Mr Mohan. Zoya ran up to him and greeted him with such enthusiasm he nearly fell back 'sorry sir...' She looked a little embarrassed at her over the top display of happiness. Mr Mohan laughed 'its ok Zoya it's good to see you too'. Zoya spent the next half hour catching up with Mr Mohan and introducing her to her group of friends.
'Talking of friends Zoya, I have a little surprise for you' Mr Mohan said pointing behind her as Zoya turned around she almost stopped breathing she couldn't believe it Sara and Sahil were here, she ran into them as fast and as hard as she could. Zoya had never felt so overjoyed, she couldn't help the tears of happiness that escaped her eyes, she hugged and kissed them both to her hearts content. As she caught her breath back she stood back and looked at them still not believing they were here, it was only after a short while she noticed a girl standing behind them looking at her as if she was mad 'Zoya this is Anaya, my fianc' Sahil said taking Anaya's hand into his 'Ya Allah' Zoya moved forward and embraced her with a hug, as she pulled back she started laughing 'Anaya it is so good to have finally met you...and please don't think I am crazy or anything, it's just that I seeing them after such a long time and seriously I still can't believe you guys came...everything is so perfect now' she said looking back at her two friends. Anaya smiled, as they walked around Anaya and Zoya spent some time getting to know each other, after all she was the would be wife of her best friend.
The grand hall didn't take long to fill up people from all walks of life were coming to view the exhibition a number of paintings had already drawn in potential buyers. Farhan's family finally managed to find Zoya in all the rush 'congratulations Zoya, your work is amazing God has truly blessed you with such a talent' Esha said as she hugged her. 'I think Allah has blessed us all aunty, other than our talents what we have been blessed with is each other, I can't thank Him enough for bringing me to you and for the friends I have made, my life is almost feels complete' Esha looked at her 'almost Zoya' Esha knew exactly what Zoya was referring to her blushing cheeks didn't hide anything.
As the evening progressed Zoya kept hoping against hope that Asad was going to turn up as if he had planned a big surprise like on her birthday but no such luck. Zoya stood by her paintings talking to a few visitors, she was explaining the concept behind her idea and why she called it The Colour of Love, she was amazed and humbled by the reviews she was getting, she had never thought people would appreciate her so much. As she stood there she felt a cold chill take over, her mind went back to the book she thought about going to Florence to visit the old man and ask him about the book. The sudden vibration of her phone brought her out of her wondering thoughts; it was a voice message from Asad.
Hi beautiful, I hope everything is going well and you are enjoying being back with everyone in Italy. I am sorry for the delay in replying have been caught up with a million and one things. I know you would have liked me to be there with you and I can only apologise for not being able to share such an important day. Please let me know what your plans are for the coming week, have you booked your return ticket if not let me know I will get Aman to sort it out for you. I know you are staying with Imran and his family but the apartment is available if you want to stay there just call David and sort it out with him. Miss you Zoya and love you even more. I will try and call back later - just text me to let me know you are ok'.
She must have missed his call when she was talking to some of the visitors. He wasn't wrong it was an important day for her and as much as she loved and appreciated her friends being with her she couldn't help the little pain that poked her deep within her from time to time. She quickly text Asad to say that she was ok and was missing him too, she would have liked to say a lot more but felt it was better to keep it simple.
The next two days ran a similar course with everyone dressing up to looking their best and attending the exhibition. Farhan's family, Sara, Sahil and Anaya teamed up they spent their time sightseeing, shopping and enjoying as much of Italy as they could before they left.
On the last day of the exhibition Zoya was asked to meet with Mr Mohan and Emilia. Mr Mohan and the Art House had been so impressed with Zoya's work that they decided to keep her work and use it to display around the world for various exhibitions that were due to take place in the year. 'It is very rare for the Freedom of Art House to select anyone's work for such prestigious events Zoya, but you have seriously blown us away with your work' Zoya was speechless what could she say, nothing could describe what she as feeling she was so overjoyed she could only do what Zoya did best and that was cry. Mr Mohan congratulated her on her achievements, she was most definitely going to be graduating with her Masters but also was going to be recognised as an artist internationally. Of course it meant that Zoya would have to travel from time to time but that wouldn't be a problem as Asad would only want to support her even after marriage.
As the week came to an end the group started to disperse everyday one member of the group would bid a tearful farewell to return home. Ayla was going flying out to Canada to spend time with her husband to be, she was going to meet her mum out there. Feroze and Soniyah flew out to Morocco for a short holiday. Farhan's family and Jina were leaving on the same day as Sara, Sahil and Anaya. 'Zoya, it doesn't make sense for you to be here by yourself, if everything is over with why are you not coming back with us' Sahil said not wanting Zoya to be left on her own. 'Its just a few more days Sahil, I will come back after that I need to sort some things out, I have told Asad and will be moving back into his apartment just until I get everything sorted. And plus I still have Leo here if I need anything I will let him know'. Zoya had two things to attend to one was meeting with Emilia to discuss plans for her work and the second was to visit Florence.
As everyone left Zoya called David to pick her up from the hotel and take her back to the apartment. As she settled in she couldn't help smiling at how pro-active and super-efficient her fianc was, she opened the fridge to find it fully loaded with food.
Zoya sent a text to say thank you and give a detailed itinerary of the coming few days the last thing she wanted was for him to start worrying about her. She could feel the flurry and exhaustion of the last few days catch up to her it didn't take her long to snuggle up and fall asleep.
Zoya spent the next two days with Emilia, it felt weird being back without all her friends but at least she had Leo being an Italian national he was the only one that didn't need to go anywhere, there was Michael but he had gone to visit his family in Milan. Emilia had spent the day outlining the venues of the upcoming exhibitions; there were 5 in total that would take place over the course of the year. Zoya had agreed to be take part in all of them, the thought of travelling to new and exotic locations and being recognised internationally was sending goose bumps all over she was beyond excited. 'When are you returning to India?' Emilia asked 'I am going to Florence tomorrow for some personal stuff and then should be flying out by the end of the week, was there something you needed me do?' as much as Zoya wanted to go back home she didn't mind staying back to help Emilia 'oh no, was just wondering as everyone else has left...umm Zoya a lot of people were interested in buying some of your paintings, is there any amongst them that you do not want to part with?' Zoya already knew she had a list of potential buyers she hadn't really thought of which ones she would like to keep 'I will have a look and let you know' she said. Zoya returned to the flat, she had become used to being on her own and much to her surprise actually liked being in her own company, most of the time. She packed a small bag and double checked her ticket for tomorrow, she was a little nervous she wanted to get to the bottom of this mysterious book, she hadn't had the courage to look at it again it was all too confusing like something out of a science fiction novel.
Zoya slept for most of her journey she woke up a few moments before she reached Florence. She was starving but didn't want to waste any time so made her way to the book shop. As she reached the small market where it was located she found herself lost she paced up and down searching but couldn't find it, she was definitely in the right place so where the hell did it go. What stood in its place was an electronics shop that was closed.
She went to a small caf a few shops down and enquired only to be told that the shop never existed. 'How is that possible, I was here a few months back I got this book from there' she said pulling the book out of her bag 'I'm sorry madam but I have been here for more than two years and I assure you there has never been a book shop here...um maybe you have the wrong address, there is another stretch of shops a few roads away try there'.
Zoya knew she didn't have the wrong address she could remember all of the other shops Zoya felt like she was going mad her brain was in overdrive 'what the hell is going on' Zoya needed to sit down before she fell her legs were becoming weak. As she sat down she in a total daze her phone started ringing making her jump 'h..hello' Zoya are you ok..what's wrong' Asad asked with concern on hearing her voice break 'Zoya, talk to me where are you, are you ok?' he asked again almost immediately.
Zoya who was still having a mental breakdown was finding it hard to respond 'I'm...I'm ok just...' She let out a deep sigh and then started again. She explained everything to him only to find him annoyed. 'Zoya will you stop with the book already, look I don't want you to be going around on your own, everything you needed to get done you have I want you to come back now Zoya' Zoya did not like the way Asad was speaking to her 'I am coming back and there is no need to talk to me in that tone Mr Khan...I am not lying to you I am telling you the truth' she shot back at him not caring how she sounded. Asad took a deep sigh the last thing he wanted to do was argue with her 'Zoya when did I ever say you are lying, it just seems a little odd. Look just forget about it I don't want you getting upset I just want you to come home I miss you' he hoped he had said enough to calm her down 'ok ok I am getting the five O'clock train back, my ticket has been confirmed so you can come and pick me up from the airport it's an early morning flight...and no excuses I want to you there Mr Khan' Asad laughed he liked it when she got all authoritative 'Yes Mrs Khan as you wish, now stop worrying and let me know when you get back. I love you' 'me too...bye'
Zoya was angry, annoyed and very frustrated she contemplated throwing the book in the bin but then shoved the book back into her bag and made her way back to the station. She had to show Asad, she knew that he would not believe her otherwise.
Ok I know you will all have a hundred questions about the book. When I first started writing this I seriously didn't know where I was going with it, but managed to stick with it no matter how bizarre it sounded. It will all make sense and hopefully you will like how it fits in to the story.
Ye Hai Mohabbatein
Mangal Lakshmi
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