The Mark of Innocence: #5 Chapter 49 Pg 112 - Page 8

Thirty Six

Zoya was shown to the girl's locker room by Shreya and Lillie, once changed Zoya joined her team outside. The choreogrpahers or better known as dance masters on the sets were sat with the contenstants of the show.

'Zoya, seeing you are new everyone wants to see exactly what I saw when I selected you...so how about a special number for us before we get cracking' RJ said. Zoya gulped as she looked around at all the faces that had their eyes glued on her 'here...like now' 'yes...here and like now' he said making everyone laugh. Zoya closed her eyes and took in a deep breath 'ok...what would you like me to dance to?' 'How about your show us the routine you did for your final exam'. Zoya told the sound engineer what song it was and when Kamli started playing Zoya set the small dance floor that she took to on fire. As she finished everyone stood up and clapped 'wow...Zoya that was brilliant, am not surprised RJ signed you up straight away' Lillie said as she hi fived her.

The days leading up to the big opening of the show totally consumed Zoya, she was harldy ever home and when she was she hit her bed as soon as she got in. Asad was no different, he was always coming back odd hours and by the time he made it home he was always too tired to even say salaam at the best of times.

RJ gave everyone one last pep talk before he let them go home 'I want everyone to be here at 8 sharp, no excuses. It's a big day tomorrow and we all need to be in full form...I know it's late so I wont keep you any longer...see you in a few hours'. When RJ said few hours he wasn't joiking it was already 2 in the mornining and they had to be back by 8.

Zoya thanked Ramu for letting her in, she slowly crept up to her room being careful not to make any noise. The firs thing Zoya did was shower, she stood under the running water for the longest time letting every drop sooth away her tiredness. As Zoya came out she felt a hand grab her from behind, she was just about to let out a fear filled scream when he covered her mouth 'Zoya, its me' Zoya turned around and hit him across the arm with as much force as she could manage 'ouch...what was that for?' 'what was that for...you idiot you scared me half to death...what are you doing here at this time?' Zoya calmed down her breathing as she continud to look at his amused face 'I came here to see you...Zoya I haven't see you for three days...and I know its your opening night today I wanted to wish you luck' Zoya almost felt bad as she heard what he said, she let out a deep sigh and put her arms around him 'I'm sorry, with everything all gearing up to tonight's show I just haven't been able to be around...how are you?' 'Now that I have you in my arms, I am fine'.

Asad led Zoya to her bed and sat down with her 'I wanted to wish you luck but also tell you that I am going away for five days on Monday' Zoya looked at him 'five days...I won't see you for five whole days' Asad started laughing 'you already haven't for the last three days Zoya...I guess this is what it is going to be like' Zoya started pouting 'Ayaan and Humera were good to stay on at IMDD, at least they are with each other everyday' Asad cupped her face 'I am with you...maybe not physically but always in here' he said pointing towards her heart.

Asad leant in to kiss her, something they both had been waiting to do. Asad lay on Zoya's bed holding her in his arms 'you should get some sleep, I will see you tomorrow evening' he whispered no...please don't go...not yet, I am too comfortable'. Asad and Zoya lay there and soon fell asleep, Asad woke up to the most beautiful morning, he woke up to his Zoya still lying in his arms. He looked at the time, it was coming up to 6.45 'Zoya...Zoya wake up' 'hmmm' Zoya managed to get out as she stirred in her sleep. Asad tapped her cheek again 'Zoya, you need to get ready get up' Zoya opened her eyes and jumped up, she looked around 'Ya Allah...what time is it...and...oh my g...Asad did we just sleep...I mean' Zoya said looking panicked. Asad stood up and held his hand out to her 'yes we did, you wouldn't let me go and I ended up falling asleep next to you...and that was it...and its 6.45 so hurry up and get ready' Zoya looked at him feeling a lot more than jus silly 'I'm sorry Asad, I didn't meant to say it like it was...I'm sorry she said as she stepped closer and cupped his face. 'Zoya I said to you I would never to anything or go any further than what we have already, you need to trust me and you need to trust us' 'I do...more than you know its just that I...I don't know...I'm sorry' 'look stop saying youre sorry and go and get ready, I have a late start I will go and drop you off myself' Zoya smiled at him, she quickly leant up and kissed him on the cheek before she ran off to get changed.