The Perfect Misfit #2: Chapter 16 Page 101 - Page 40

It had been a week since the new semester had started people had almost forgotten the hiccup at New Year's. Indu started to keep her distance from Zoya, initially it upset her but then she just let it be, it wasn't the first time she was going to be shunned by someone.

Karan and his group had been given their first production assignment they were to put a play together based on either romance or tragedy, going with the majority, the group decided that the most obvious choice was to take the foundation of one of the greatest love stories and make it their own 'so Romeo and Juliet it is then' he said huffing, he looked at Leya who kept staring at him with puppy dog eyes 'this is going to be fun...not' he thought to himself.

As weeks passed by Zoya felt more and more comfortable being in the company of her friends she even took it upon herself to meet with them after college and on weekends, although she still refused to go to the Student Bar, which was a decision that they all respected. Zoya continued to do well at college she always came amongst the top three scorers and had received a number of certificates in appreciation of her hard work.

In this time Karan and Zoya continued to meet and became even closer, he helped her immensely, always supporting her and being her positive inner voice. After seeing her in the state that night he had vowed to tear down and break every barrier, every wall that stopped her from living her life to the fullest, she had the right as anyone else to be happy and to love who she was. Karan spent a lot of his time thinking about her, the image of seeing her with her hair down no matter how wrong it was never escaped him, Zoya was beautiful anyhow but what she looked like without her hijab was un-describable, the only thing he could match her with was one of heaven's angels.

Over the last week Zoya had been busy preparing for her mid-term tests and Karan busy with his group on his production the only time she barely saw him was in passing either in the canteen or during the morning while she waited for the bus. She did however make some time during the evening to either text him or have a short conversation.

Zoya stood outside the exam hall with Aliza, Abdul and Naveen; they had spent the last study session revising where is Sam, she hardly ever shows up...I seriously worry for that girl' Naveen who normally led the study sessions was losing his patients with her, Sam was always playing truant, it wouldn't have mattered so much if the group presentation didn't suffer. 'Zoya' Aliza whispered, Zoya leaned in closer 'hmm' 'I really need to talk to you...more I really need to tell you something' Zoya raised her eyebrows 'what...and why are we whispering?' Aliza was about to share her news with her but were at that precise moment called into the examination hall 'here we go...good luck guys' Abdul said as he took a deep breath and walked in.

'How did it go...actually why am I even bothering to ask you, you will have aced it' Naveen said to Zoya making her laugh. 'Aliza wait' Zoya ran up to her 'how was it?' 'Ok...I think...uggh I hope I pass I seriously need to get a good grade in this to get my distinction' 'don't worry you will insha'Allah...so what did you want to tell me' Aliza instantly started to blush at her question 'Zack asked me out on a date' Zoya looked confused 'but have you not been his date in the past' referring back to the end of semester party and to new year's Aliza huffed at her friends sweet ignorance 'no I mean like a date date, he told me he liked me and wanted to officially take me out on a date' when the penny finally dropped Zoya screamed hugging her, 'Ya Alah, oh that is brilliant I always did think he liked you...' Aliza looked at Zoya as if to say yeah right!

Zoya decided to spend some time in the library whilst everyone else went out, on her way there she was stopped by Dr. Armaan 'Zoya, can I have a quick word?' Zoya walked up to Dr. Armaan 'yes sir, sure' 'Zoya I just really wanted to congratulate you in the short time you have been here you have really done well' Zoya was overwhelmed with what the doctor was saying 'Zoya we don't normally offer this to first year students but for you we decided to make an exception. There is a medical camp being held in a small village just on the outskirts of Mumbai, the camp is for a week and we would like you to attend' Zoya couldn't believe what she was hearing 'but sir is that not for year three pupils?' 'Yes normally it is but like I said we are making an exception for you, I think you will find it really useful, not to forget you will enjoy it' Zoya was ecstatic, she couldn't believe she was being given such an amazing opportunity she agreed to go and thanked Dr. Armaan for his kindness.

Excited by her news Zoya decided to skip her visit to the library and go back to halls she wanted to share her news with her friends especially Karan. 'Hi you ok?' 'Yes...just a little tired, are you back from college already?' 'Yep, what time are you coming back, If you are free this evening can we meet?' 'I should be back by half seven I'll call you as soon as I leave' 'ok, take care' Zoya hung up everyone was out and Karan was coming back late too feeling frustrated she decided to go for a run.

Zoya met with Karan in the canteen just after eight she told him about the medical camp. He was excited for her 'when are you going?' 'I am not sure but I think sometime in February' 'Oh' he said as his smile slightly faded 'what' 'oh nothing it's just that the production we are working on is going to be running in February as well and I really want you to be here for the opening night'. Zoya was chuffed that he wanted her to be there 'well hopefully it will be either after or before then, and if it isn't I will comeback for it' Karan smiled "really, you would do that?' 'Of course why not? I wouldn't miss it for anything' Karan felt his heart fill up 'thanks Zoya, it means a lot'. 'Shall we head back, I am sure you are tired after the long day you have just had...and I promised to help Kiran with her revision' 'sure'.

Karan walked Zoya up to Maple High as they reached the main door Indu walked out almost bumping into Zoya she was about to say something but stopped once she saw Karan standing there too. Ignoring Zoya she turned towards Karan to greet him; she walked up to him and gave him a hug, Zoya looked away immediately. As Indu stood next to him holding on to his arm she spoke about a family gathering that she was looking forward to all the time she went on Karan had his eyes fixed on Zoya who was looking down, her whole body posture had changed like she had started to withdraw 'um Karan I'll see you later' she managed to quickly look at him before she walked in.

'Why the hell does her closeness with him bother me so much...Zoya get a grip what the hell is wrong with you' Zoya paced her room talking to herself trying to work out what she was feeling and why, she thought about talking to Kiran about it but then refrained she wasn't sure if she should be making anything out of it, after all they were childhood friends and her and Karan had only been friends for four months logically she shouldn't have a problem.

Zoya had been given the dates for the camp she was disappointed at it did collide with Karan's production. She went to speak to Dr. Armaan to see if she could come back a day early 'sorry Zoya, the whole team will need to go there together and come back the same, it's more of a health and safety issue and to be honest, it's a full weeks commitment one that you make not only to your team members but also the people you go there to treat'. There wasn't much Zoya could say or do, she needed to tell Karan and knew that he would be as disappointed as her.

'Karan I am so sorry, I did ask to come back early but Dr. Armaan won't allow it' Zoya could see that he felt let down she placed her hand on his arm 'sorry...promise I'll make it up to you' Karan looked up 'it's ok I understand...but I'll hold you to your promise'. 'Good now can we go and eat before I pass out with starvation' she joked as they walked towards the canteen.

Zoya had packed her little bag for camp she was going to meet the rest of the group outside the college, they had arranged a minibus to take them to the village. She was going through so many emotions all at once; she was happy and excited but also very nervous she was going to spend a whole week working with people two years her seniors that she had never met before; her only consolation was that Dr. Mehak was going to be joining them, who was her lecturer for Pathology. She had said her goodbyes to Kiran and Aliza as she was leaving early she knew they were not going to be up.

Zoya reached the main gate as she was about to exit she heard her name being called out she turned to see Karan running up to her the, sight of him filled her up with butterflies, to say she was happy to see him would have been an understatement. 'Karan, what are you doing here?' 'You really thought I was going to let you go without having said good bye and good luck?' he said raising his eyebrow 'I did message you, but you didn't get back, I just assumed you were busy or still sleeping' 'oh...sorry I left my phone upstairs...anyway have fun and be good, and please let me know how you are getting on' 'I will...and Karan thank you' Zoya turned around to leave when he whispered her name again she saw him looking a little on edge 'Karan you ok?' 'Um...' Karan didn't finish what he was saying he stepped forward and pulled her into a warm hug, Zoya who had not been expecting it was left a little stunned 'you can go now' he said as he let her go 'you do know that you're crazy right?' Karan winked at her 'since childhood' Zoya started to laugh 'I will see you soon, and good luck with your play am sure it will be a major success'.