The Mark of Innocence: #4 Chapter 35 Pg 118 - Page 7

Twenty Seven

The last two weeks went by in a haze; it was finally the week that everyone had been working so hard for, exam week.

Zoya had never seen everyone so panicked, for someone who was normally a lot calmer found the environment around her starting to rub off 'what if I forget my moves, what if I forget my lines...Ya Allah, what if I fail' she started chanting as she walked up and down 'Zoya stop, you're making me dizzy' Asad said as he tried to get her to sit down look lets go over it one more time and then we need to focus on the music...' 'ok...let's do this' the dance studio was filled with students all practicing their dances alongside each other.

On the other side Ayaan, Humera and Priya were going over their acts for their production. 'Girls as much as I love you both...you are driving me insane...will you just stop' Ayaan said in frustration, someone who wasn't used to doing any hard work was finding it hard to keep up with the never ending practices, and he still had his music piece to work on 'Priya, let's take a break, there is no point carrying on with him like this' Humera said to Priya who agreed 'why don't we get an early lunch...I'll go and see if Leo and Zoya are ready to take a break too'.

The group met up for lunch and made sure that no one spoke of anything to do with practicing or exams, they needed a few moments away from all the chaos.

Asad quickly came by to wish Priya and Humera good luck with their first exam tomorrow 'I know you guys will be ok inshAllah' 'thanks Leo' Priya said giving him a high five before she went to bed 'is Ayaan ok, I told him to come over but he wouldn't...I swear he is such a drama queen' Humera said as she rolled her eyes he is ok...a little stressed...but like you said a drama queen, you might want to give him a call soon' 'I'll do better than that...I'm going over to see him' Humera picked up her jacket 'do you want me to walk you over' 'not I am good, Zoya should be out soon...I'll catch you later'

Zoya finished her prayer and came out to meet Asad 'you know seeing you in a hijab totally takes my breath away' Zoya started to blush as she pulled down her scarf 'what are you doing here so late?' 'I came to wish the girls good luck...and to kiss you good night' he said winking at her. Zoya sat leaning against Asad's hold 'you nervous?' he asked 'not as much as I was before, I think I have done everything I can...the rest I suppose is in His hands' she said pointing upwards 'you go and get some sleep now, I am going to head back' Zoya walked Asad to the door she gave him a quick hug and peck on the lips before she returned to her room waiting for the sun rise.

Ayaan walked into the drama studio with Priya and Humera waiting for their turn to play their part in front of the examiners whilst Asad and Zoya walked into the dance studio to be met with three examiners. As Zoya was majoring in dance she had to perform a solo as well as one as part of a pair or group.

Zoya was third to go and do her solo dance as she got up Asad hugged her 'you will do fine' 'thank you'. Zoya made her way down and introduced herself to the examiners and then gave her piece of music to Mr Gill who fed it into the CD player.

Zoya had prepared a dance to one of the latest hits from a Bollywood movie - Kamli, Dhoom 3. What everyone witnessed for the next five minutes was not only breath-takingly beautiful but totally out of this world. It was the first time Asad was seeing her dance to this too, as all she did with him was their routine. As Zoya took her last bow the examiners as swell as the other students who sat waiting for their turn stood up and applauded her. Zoya's happiness was immeasurable she couldn't stop smiling; she thanked the examiners and ran back to her seat. Asad put his arm around her and kissed her cheek 'that was absolutely amazing Zoya'.

After everyone's solo performances it was time for everyone to come and perform with their partners and groups.

Asad and Zoya stood up to give a group before theirs a standing ovation, what they had performed was pure perfection. 'You ready?' Zoya said as she held out her hand, Asad took in a deep breath 'I guess...come let's get this over with'.

Asad and Zoya took their positions and started dancing to the music they had chosen, they had selected a range of contemporary and classical songs that was a dedication to themselves, they brought their life journey to life through the music they had chosen and the dance they danced. It truly was a masterpiece, every move, every twist and turn was done to perfection. Asad and Zoya moved as they lost themselves in each other, for them it was as if time had stopped as if no one was around them it was just them and their undying, unconditional love for one another. Zoya twirled around Asad and came crashing into his hold, he took her by the hand and let her fall back for the last two second before it came to an end. The whole hall stood in silence, Zoya and Asad stood up and looked towards Mr Gill and the examiners then the rest of the student body that stood motionless. Zoya started to panic thinking that it came out worse than she thought, but it wasn't long before her panic came to an end when all her fellow students came running towards her and Asad cheering at their mesmerising performance. Zoya couldn't stop smiling 'Zoe, Leo...can I just say how proud I am of you...Zoe I expect to see you in places beyond I or anyone would have ever expected...well done' Mr Gill shook hands with both his students.

Asad and Zoya could not be more relieved that it was finally over; they rushed out to meet up with Ayaan, Humera and Priya to see how they did. As they saw their friends happy faces emerge they knew it was time for celebration. 'Everyone had one exam left, Ayaan, Zoya and Asad had music, whilst Priya and Humera had their solo performances left.

For music everyone did their own individual thing, Asad had prepared a piece of music and written a two verse song, Ayaan had also composed a piece of music and Zoya had written some lyrics that she sang out whilst playing a tune on the piano. Singing was not Zoya's strongest point but she did understand music and her ways with words meant that she had written beautiful poetry.

It was the last day of exams 'just keep think that in exactly to hours we will be freee...until September no studying no hard work...just total masti' Priya said as she hugged everyone before they disappeared.

Ayaan and Zoya sat outside with other students waiting for Asad to come out 'How did it go' Zoya said as soon as she saw him come out 'I don't know...I think it went ok' he answered truthfully. After a few more students it was Ayaan's turn, who at the end of it came out extremely unhappy 'I so flunked that one...stupid music' he moaned. Asad put his arm around him 'Ayaan, I am sure you did ok...don't worry so much'.

Zoya finally went in; she smiled nervously at the examiners and took her seat at the piano. She took in a few deep breaths before she poured her heart and soul into bringing her words to life

Zoya came out looking a lot more emotional than she went in 'are you ok...how did it go?' Asad asked as he held her hand 'I think it went ok...well at least it's over and done with...lets go'.