AsYa SS: A Love Unconditional - Ch 12 Pg 121 - Page 16

The next morning Aleena woke up to find Zoya gone, she looked at the time, it was six in the morning 'where did she go off so early?'. By the time Aleena came out of the bathroom Zoya had returned, Aleena looked at her 'you can't be serious...that early?' Zoya started to smile 'a morning workout never did anyone any harm...get you energised for the day...you should try it' 'hell no...Aleena and exercise...and by the way I don't need to lose any weight' Zoya threw her towel at her 'what you trying to say that I do...it's to keep fit not lose weight...although that's an added bonus' 'you are skinnier than me Miss Farooqui...why do you need the bonus for?' Zoya rolled her eyes and walked off into the bathroom to shower and change.

Zoya's first lecture was an extra module she had taken so she knew she would see him, there was something about him that made her nervous, feel on edge but she couldn't work out what it was.

'Hi...I didn't expect to see you here' Zoya said looking surprised to see Zack 'hey, yeah I took this up as an extra too...how are you?' 'I am well' Zoya sat down next to Zack and the two of them hit it off straight away, Zack was easy going and that much more easier to talk to. She could see what attracted him and Aleena to one another, they were very similar in personality, they had a kindness that shone through them. 'You have any plans for the weekend?' 'Not really, I suppose a little more studying and maybe a shopping trip...how about you?' 'Am sure Aleena has something extravagant planned for Saturday and on Sunday me and Asad are going cycling'.

As the lecture came to an end Zack and Zoya made their way out to go and meet with the rest of them. As they got closer Zoya saw Asad and Maddy sitting aside grossed in conversation, she had managed to convince herself that Asad and her were definitely together.

Asad spotted Zoya walking back with Zack and as he did he stood up and started to make his way towards them. Asad was just about to address them when he felt a push from behind making him leap forwards 'are you crazy?' He said looking back at Maddy 'if you hadn't noticed I was talking to you...you just walked off' 'I came to say hello to Zoya and...' 'And that couldn't have waited another five minutes...she wasn't going to run away' Asad looked at Maddy as she continued to raise her voice 'Maddy calm down...look...I am meeting you this evening so we can talk then'. Maddy let out a growl in frustration and then walked off, Zack started laughing as he shook his head 'what the hell happened to her?' 'You know what she gets like...leave her she will calm down'.

Asad tuned towards Zoya to ask her how she was when she turned away from him and looked at Zack 'I am going to head off to the library, I will see you later' having said that Zoya looked towards Asad and gave him a faint smile before she walked off.

'Is it me or is there something odd about her?' Had asked looking at her retreating back 'it's definitely you...she is totally normal' 'hmmm...maybe and doesn't like me' Zack laughed out loud 'I don't think it's that Asad, come on let's get out of here'.

The whole time Asad was with his friends he couldn't stop thinking about her, even when he went off with Maddy he sat absent minded 'Asad I am talking to you' she said angrily 'huh...I mean I know I am listening' 'yeah right...what did I just say then?' Asad looked at her blankly, Maddy raised her hands 'I give up...you moron' Maddy walked off in a huff leaving Asad smiling 'thank god' he whispered to himself in relief.

Asad went back to his room, just as he was about to open his door he stopped. Quickly turning around he went back towards where he had left Aleena and Zack 'I thought you were retiring for the day, what happened?' Zack asked 'nothing...can't a guy change his mind...Aleena, do you have Zoya's mobile number?' 'Yeah sure one sec' Asad noted her number down and saved it in his phone 'thank you'.

'Hey...where you going now?' Zack called out as he started to run off again 'retiring for the day...remember' Zack looked at him oddly and then back at Aleena 'has he been drinking...nutter'.

Asad dialled her number but before it could ring he hung up 'maybe I should text her' he thought to himself.

Asad waited, constantly staring at his phone for her to reply. And then it came.

Asad looked at her message blankly 'crap...did she take offence?' He wasn't sure.

Asad smiled 'phew'

Zoya put her phone down, she wasn't sure if she should be annoyed with Aleena for giving her number without her permission or not. If she was truthful she wasn't annoyed but felt that he could have asked her directly.

Zoya had fallen asleep by the time Aleena had returned. Aleena switched on her bedside lamp, as the light brightened up the room she looked over towards Zoya who looked like she was having a nightmare. Zoya's face looked like she was in pain, her forehead was soaked in sweat. Aleena ran towards her 'Zoya' she called out, Zoya mumbled something in her sleep as she cried out. 'Zoya...wake up' Aleena held her by her shoulder and shook her, Zoya jumped up and quickly wrapped her arms around her 'please help me...please help me' Aleena felt her insides twist hearing the pain in her voice, she held her close as her body trembled 'it's ok Zoya, it's just a dream, I'm here...you are safe'. Zoya pulled back to look at her, she wiped her tears 'I'm sorry...' 'Wait, let me get you some water'.

Zoya took a few sips of water and placed the glass on the table. Aleena sat beside her and held her hand in hers 'you ok?' Zoya nodded 'you want to tell he about it?' Zoya looked at Aleena nervously 'I know we haven't known each other long...but you can trust me Zoya' Zoya squeezed her hand 'I...I have never spoken to anyone before...I have not had many friends to confide in' 'I am your friend...you know that right...if you think you can...then tell me, maybe I can help you' Zoya shook her head 'I am beyond help...'

By the time Zoya and Aleena finished talking it was nearly four in the morning 'thank you so much Aleena' 'thank you for trusting me enough to let me into your life...I'm so sorry Zoya, but remember you are a fighter, a young independent woman who has gone through so much hardship yet you stand her on your own, in a place that is so unfamiliar...Allah will bless you with the happiness you deserve and so much more...you will always have me by your side no matter what' Zoya hugged Aleena, and it was at that moment they formed a bond a relationship that was going to last forever.