The Mark of Innocence: #2 Note Page 123 - Page 33

Thirteen

Zoya was back in the comfort of her halls and was being looked after by her friends. Asad and Ayaan were regular visitors 'now that you are a little more mobile how about we go out for New Year's' Ayaan said 'Ayaan I am still on crutches...that is not very mobile, you guys go ahead I will be ok' 'Zoya, we don't need to venture out far, the college has a New Year's party being held in the main hall...it's better than being home alone...' Humera said trying to convince her.

Zoya gave in after being pestered for the longest time; Zoya had agreed to go but was not too happy as the last thing she wanted to do was come face to face with Tanveer and Sofia again. With the help of Humera and Ayaan Zoya had managed to meet with the principal as well as with some of the tutors to let them know what had happened. Because of the holidays the principal was unable to bring both Sofia and Tanveer in for questioning, but had promised that once the new term started a full investigation would be held and they will be punished accordingly.

Zoya wore the only dress she had hanging in her cupboard it was a long plain black dress, the same one Priya had leant her, she borrowed a few accessories from Humera and Priya to dress it up a bit, to give it a little sparkle. Priya curled Zoya's hair which she half put up and let the rest sway loosely, with a little lip gloss and eyed liner Zoya looked nothing less than a mystical queen of ethereal beauty.

Holding on to her crutches Zoya, Humera and Priya made their way to meet Asad and Ayaan outside their halls. Ayaan came out and met everyone, he hugged Humera and Priya and then walked towards Zoya, Zoya saw him hesitating she looked at him and smiled letting him know it was ok for him to hug her too, smiling like there was no tomorrow Ayaan wrapped his arms around Zoya. After a few moments Asad came out clad in a black outfit looking nothing less than a Greek God, his physique, his build his mesmerising eyes and smile, everything spelt perfection 'hey did you two plan to colour co-ordinate?' Ayaan asked 'no' they both replied in unison making everyone laugh. Asad went and stood by Zoya and walked with her, the group of friends made their entrance, one that truly made heads turn, they all looked stunning and being amongst the most popular people in the college it was natural for everyone to turn towards them.

Asad and Ayaan went to get everyone some drinks, out of all of them Priya was the only one who occasionally indulged in a little alcohol, whereas the others being observant of their religious teachings refrained from any kind of alcohol. The party was in full swing, Ayaan and Humera along with Priya hit the dance floor whilst Asad and Zoya sat on the side cheering them on 'you can go and join them you know, after all our lessons you have become a pro' Zoya teased Asad 'not without my dance partner...I am not going anywhere' 'well it is a shame I will be losing my dance partner' Asad looked at her confused 'how do you mean' 'Leo, have you forgotten already, you were only in dance for this first semester, you are transferring to drama after the new year' Asad in all honest had forgotten 'of course...' was all he said, when he was given dance he hated it but as he continued his lesson and working with Zoya he had come to like it, really enjoy it 'maybe you won't lose your partner...maybe I might just stick with it' Zoya's eyes lit up 'really, you mean that' Asad smiled back in response and nodded.

As time progressed the countdown to new year came closer and closer, at the same time Farhan came into the hall with his little group of fools and foolette's , which included Sofia and Tanveer. Asad clenched his fist when he saw them enter as did Ayaan but they knew that there was nothing they could do as Zoya forbade them to, she wanted to do this properly and not seek out revenge, what they had done was wrong and they would be dealt with but through the proper channels.

Farhan snaked his arm around Tanveer's waist and walked towards where Asad and Zoya were sitting 'Zoe...how is the leg...such a shame' Tanveer said as Farhan smirked 'never better, thank you for asking' Zoya said giving her a sarcastic look. Asad stood up to come face to face with Farhan, he narrowed his eyes and was ready to knock him out as soon as he opened that foul mouth of his 'Farhan, let's go...it's not so good to be seen with such low lives' Tanveer said pulling him. Priya was on the verge of losing it she stepped forward only to be held back by Humera 'let them be for now...they won't know what hit them, it's just a matter of a few days'.

'Leo, sit down' Zoya said pulling at his hand, she could see his whole body shake with rage 'look guys, we don't need to ruin this because of them...just relax, we have five more minutes, let's just enjoy the party and see the new year in on a positive note' Humera said trying to calm down everyone's raging emotions.

Priya took Zoya by the arm and led her to the dance floor, who were followed by Asad, Humera and Ayaan. The DJ counted down the last thirty seconds '5, 4, 3, 2, 1...Happy New Year party people' he screamed as the whole hall erupted in cheer everyone hugged and kissed everyone a happy new year, it was finally 2013. 'Happy New Year Zoe' Asad said as he held out his hand 'happy new year Leo, I pray that Allah fulfils all your dreams and gives you everything you have ever wanted' she said taking his hand into his. At the moment their hands touched they both felt a little electric current that ran down through their bodies, they both looked up at each other as their hearts dipped, what was so familiar about the other they couldn't figure but there was something there. Zoya quickly pulled her hand back and gave him a nervous smile before she turned towards Humera and hugged her 'Zoe, you ok, you feel cold' Zoya whose heart was still racing looked at her 'yeah...I think so...actually I am a little tired you mind if I head back?' 'Sure, but let me get Ayaan to walk you back'.

Zoya sat in her room with tears streaming down her face 'Ya Allah another year and yet I am still alone, where is he...please Allah bring him back to me...before I I start really going crazy...please help me fight this...please let me find him' she called out to her creator. Zoya could feel herself being pulled towards Leo and it was something she needed to fight, there was no way she was going to betray her love and devotion to Asad, no matter what.

Back in the hall Asad had himself withdrawn from everyone especially since Zoya had left 'whatever this is it has to go away Asad...don't be blinded by this, there is no one but Zoya...Ya Allah please let this year be the one where my one prayer comes true, Ya Allah please let me find her' he said to himself. If Zoya felt a flutter and an unknown force that drew her towards him then he also felt that same pull.