ASAD AND ZOYA STORY: A THOUSAND YEARS PART 4 ON PAGE 38

"New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings."

--Lao Tzu

Someone has said it absolutely right that God always has something for you, a key for every problem , a light for every shadow, a relief for every sorrow and a plan for every tomorrow. When the world sleeps, God writes our story somewhere in heaven. There is nothing as co-incidence, everything happens for a reason. Sometimes the reasons are too small to notice but there is also few times when the reasons are too big to ignore. In our journey of life, we meet many people. Some of them don't effect us at all even after spending many years with us and some make their place in our hearts in just a moment. Many people can touch our mind, few can touch our heart but only one person can touch our soul and that person is our soul-mate. We don't cross our paths with them by our choice but by destiny's choice. They suddenly collide with our lives and turn it upside down, changing it in a way we could never think of and amidst all this we don't understand when they mark our heart and soul as theirs forever and ever. Separation from them shatter us and just one smile from them brightens our world. Even if we are standing amidst death, their one reassuring gaze make us feel like nothing can be wrong. Some are lucky to find their soul-mates, some are unlucky to not find them but the people who are the most unlucky, are the persons who lost them after finding. Not every story have a ending, in fact some stories don't have ending at all. They just stop somewhere, in the middle of darkness, waiting for a light to show them their path, the path to their love, the path which was broken brutally by the perils of hell to stop them from reaching their destination. It seems that they are destined to be incomplete. And this is the time when hope comes in the picture. This little angel is the voice which tells us to keep going when love gets stuck in the Pandora's box. A hope that tells our souls that there will be light at the end of this tunnel , that if the love is true and pure , the souls will unite for sure, no matter how many demons it have to fight on the way or how much time it will take but the hearts will always find their way to each other . New beginnings are made on the graves of the old ends but which we often fail to notice is that destiny do give every incomplete story a chance to complete itself...

~~~***~~~

With the arrival of spring, the whole Florence has become a colorful canvas of God. After the departure of winter, it looked like some invisible painter has filled all the white and grays with colors of life and happiness. With the touch of bright, fiery colors everywhere the city looked like a piece of a romantic novel. The happy faces of people intensified the beauty of the nature. This new face of nature hinted towards a new beginning while the winds still whispered some old, forgotten story. In the national park families were enjoying a lazy, spring Sunday morning with their loved ones. Some small groups of boys and girls were playing and chatting in some distance. Happiness and laughter was ringing in the atmosphere. Amidst all this a girl in mid-twenties sat in a secluded corner under a huge maple tree , reading a book. She wore a simple white floral dress and white ballet-shoes. Her face was bared of any jewelry or make-up but still she looked like the most beautiful girl in whole Florence. Her face was the epitome of beauty and innocence and her big brown eyes were the mirror of her pure soul. Her long black hair softly kissed her cheeks as it swayed with gentle breeze. She looked like an angel who has just descend from heaven.

"The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity."

Zoya closed the book after reading the line. She always felt connected with this line of Lucius Annaeus Seneca. These words always knocked at some hidden, forgotten door of her heart, like trying to tell her some births-old story. Zoya shook her head to clear this weird thoughts from her mind. She kept the book aside and looked up to have her gaze collide with the deepest black orbs which stared right back at her. She got up slowly and went to the canvas I front of her where she had painted those eyes not so long ago. It was just a pair of eyes but they looked so alive and intense that she could feel them burning her soul. She raised her hand and slowly stroked those eyes with feather-light touches. Her eyes closed on their own accord and as soon as they closed, she could hear that deep, soothing voice again-

" I love you Zoya. I love you more than you will ever know. I wish I have said this before but I want you to know that I have always loved you and I always will, in this life and in every life..."

Zoya's eyes opened with a jerk and a tear-drop escaped from them. Her heart was beating faster with the intensity of that voice. Those words held utmost sincerity and love. It was so pure that it scared her, it scared her like no other to think that those words, that care and that love was for her. The emotions were so deep and intense that it always felt her speechless. She again looked at those eyes which were shining at her. She didn't knew to whom those eyes or that voice belonged but she knew that they belonged to the same person as the emotions that ringed in that voice were the same that was reflecting in those eyes. While her mind and heart was lost in thoughts , her eyes caught the sight of a small , green maple leaf which was struck at a corner of the canvas. Zoya carefully took it out to have a closer look. These maple leafs always fascinated her since childhood. They were just like any other leafs when they are alive but when they die, they become the most beautiful, different from all, as if they know the art of how to leave your desired life gracefully to embrace the life Almighty has destined for them. Zoya glanced at the leaf fondly. It wasn't very natural to find a green maple leaf at this season. She felt like it was smiling proudly at her lying on her palm to be able to survive in this fire of death. This little leaf seemed like an indication from above to her which to her keep her faith on God. She has always asked God why she heard those voices or saw those eyes but she never got any answer. With time she grew to believe that they were one of those questions which always remain unanswered. But she didn't know why today she felt like she was finally going to get her answers soon and it is just a sign of that. In that moment she made a promise to herself that if God ever bring her face to face with those eyes , she won't let go until gets her answers. Zoya closed her eyes and softly kissed the leaf, as if making a wish. When she opened her eyes, a beautiful smile was gracing her lips. She blew the small leaf in the air and it flew with the wind. Zoya kept looking at it till disappeared in the horizon , wishing someday it would come back to her and that time it would bring her answers with it.

Heart beats fast

Colors & promises

How do be brave

How can I love when I am afraid

To fall,

But watching you stand alone

All of my doubt

Suddenly goes away

Somehow...

One step closer...

I have died everyday

Waiting for you

darling don't be afarid

I have loved you for a

Thousand years...

I'll love you for a

thousand more...

~~~##*##~~~

The sun was about to set in the sky of Sydney . The whole sky was covered with strokes of red, orange and yellow. It looked like the sky was bathing in the flames of passion, of love. The central park was almost empty. The maple trees which bordered the stone path was swaying its branches lightly with wind, almost as if whispering some secret. The red leafs which covered the ground made it look burning. The stars were starting to twinkle along with the street lights. The whole atmosphere looked like a perfect piece from some romantic novel. But there was a man in his mid-twenties who sat on a bench in the central park, without paying any attention to his surroundings. Though anyone will think that he was busy in his works by seeing the open laptop on his lap but in reality his mind and heart were wandering in some completely different allay in reality. He was dressed in a simple white shirt and black jeans but still his entire form radiated power. He had short black hair and a tall, muscular body. He had a face which could only be compared with Greek gods. But his best features were his black, intense eyes which always reflected his emotions and those were the very same orbs which in that moment looked like stuck in some unrecognizable torment .

Asad was trying hard to focus on his work but each time he started to do so HER eyes came in front of him. He didn't know who she was, he had never seen her face but those brown orbs were enough to make him feel restless. He didn't know why those tears, that pain , that helplessness in those eyes always twisted his heart so painfully. And as if this wasn't enough, her desperate screams which begged for help shattered his soul. He always felt that it was his duty to protect her and each time he heard those screams he felt that he had failed in his responsibility. It was very weird to think as it was only the voices of his dreams but still he felt this strange connection, this strange need to protect this mystery girl. His mind was screaming at him to stop thinking about something so illogical but his heart softly whispered that it was something more. The voice was so small yet so firm that it willed him to hold onto the last string of hope and keep his faith in almighty that destiny will surely bring him face to face with his answers. Asad was holding his head in his palms when he felt something soft touch his hand and then land on his lap. Confused, he rose his head and saw a little, green maple leaf beaming happily at him from his lap. Surprised to find such a leaf in this season , he was looking at it with amusement when his phone vibrated , indicating the coming of a call. Asad smiled seeing the name of the caller and picked up the call. After talking to the caller for a minute or so, he got up to go and his eyes fell on the leaf which he was still holding in his hand. He slowly brought it up to his lips and kissed it softly.

"If I ever find you, I promise this time I won't let anything harm you"

He opened his eyes making his wish and stuffed the leaf in his wallet and started to walk towards his car, after gathering his laptop, to go to home.

Time stands still

Beauty in all she is

I will be brave

I will not let

Anything take away

What's standing in front of me

Every breath

Every hour has come to this...

One step closer...

I have died everyday

Waiting for you

darling don't be afraid

I have loved you for a

Thousand years...

Ill love you for a

Thousand more...

~~~##*##~~~

"Suzi, you know I don't believe on this stuff then why do you keep saying the same thing again and again?" Zoya said exasperatedly.

" Because this is the truth behind your dreams Zoya. Why don't you understand?". Suzi said with equal exasperation.

" How can you expect me to understand something which I don't believe?"

" And exactly why don't you believe?"

" Because this is not believable, that's why? Suzi, this is just too bizarre to believe." Zoya tried to explain.

" Zoya you yourself has seen the interviews of those people who have experienced such things in real life and even scientists are also researching about this." Suzi tried to convince her.

" The scientists are still researching only, they haven't come to any conclusions yet, so how can you be so sure? And apart from that, how can we know if the people are not lying? Being a physiologist, you know about such people who do all this to get attention." Zoya said to explain her point of view.

" Exactly, I am the physiologist to whom you came 4 years ago because of those strange dreams of yours. I don't know about others Zoya but after trying every possible treatment with you I can only say that yours case is definitely one of these. You have to believe in it Zoya." Suzi held her hand and tried to explain her gently. She was not only her doctor but also a very good friend and she couldn't see her suffering like this.

" Suzi you know that this conversation will not head anywhere. We have had this same argument million times and my answer is still the same. I don't believe this. Csn you please suggest me something else? Zoya said, putting an end to the conversation.

" Ok, fine." Suzi sighed tiredly , knowing very well how stubborn she could be and now she had left it to the god and destiny to make her believe in it.

" I think you should go on a vacation. A change of place and atmosphere will help you to refresh your mind and hopefully to deal with your dreams." Suzi said after a pause.

" I guess it will be great. A vacation will surely help as I haven't really went on one recently. Thanks Suzi. Bye" Zoya greeted her with a smile. She got up to go and left the cabin after giving her a loving hug. She was finally feeling satisfied with a idea.

Even after Zoya exited the cabin, Suzi still kept looking at the closed door. She tired of trying to make her see the truth from the past 4 years. She looked helplessly at her desktop screen which was showing some interviews of the people who have encountered such experiences. She sighed loudly and mumbled

" I wish you could see what I am seeing Zoya."

All along I believed

I would find you

Time has brought

Your heart to me

I have loved you for a

Thousand years...

I'll love you for a

Thousand more...

~~~##*##~~~

Asad was standing in front of the huge window of his room, looking over the city. It is the his favorite part of his room and he loved to look over the whole city standing there. It was night time there but the city was still gleaming with lights. The sparkling buildings, and streets were still buzzing with business. Sometimes Asad wondered if night really ever comes here. In contrast to it the sky was covered with curtains of dark black, studded with small, glittering stars and a softly glowing moon. Asad was calmly enjoying the view , sipping his coffee when his laptop beeped announcing the arrival of a video call. Curious,He went to his laptop and took the call to reveal the grinning face of his best friend on the screen.

"Hey!" Arnav greeted him extra excitedly.

" Hey to you to. Why are you grinning like a fool by the way." Asad spoke confusedly at his over the top happiness.

" Can't you just for once say something good? Here I am calling you to give you a surprise and you are as usual being your boring self." Arnav said , immediately sobering up and ended with a huff.

" Ok Ok sorry. Now tell me what is the surprise about which you are so excited? Actually no, you leave it, I am guessing. You finally proposed Khushi and she has said a yes. Right? Asad gussed and chuckled seeing Arnav's expression . His mouth had formed a perfect O'.

" Well I guess I should take it as a yes."Asad said smiling.

" People should learn from you how to spoil a surprise. I think the fault was mine, how can I forget how observant agent Khan is, right? Arnav said finally coming out of his shock.

" Oh please, it wasn't a tough job knowing that you only give that cheesy smile when the reason is related to Khushi. I am really happy for both of you. You guys are just made for each other and I am glad now you are making it official. So when is the wedding? " Asad ask d with a smile.

" After two weeks wedding preparations will start and I want you there with me from the beginning at any cost." Arnav demanded.

" You know I haven't been there since two years. After leaving the job, I am really feeling weird to go back there." Asad tried to reason.

" That's why I want you there more. Everyone is coming and all our old colleagues will be delighted to meet our best agent again, specially sir. He will be absolutely delighted to meet his favorite officer. He still talks a lot about you and is sad about your resignation." Arnav tried to convince him.

" I understand but I can't leave dadi alone here. You know her leg was operated only two weeks ago. If I go, who will take care of her? I ca..." Asad's sentence was cut short by an old lady who just entered the room. She had an elegant yet affectionate personality and a smile was always on her lips.

" You will go Asad and that's final. " Dadi said , entering the room and taking a seat beside him.

" Why are you walking dadi? Doctor told you to take complete bed-rest. Whay don't you listen to me? Asad spoke with concern.

I am fine beta. I was taking rest only but thought to walk a little which the doctor himself told me to do and thank god I heard your conversation. Arnav is right. He is your best friend and you should be with him at this time and aboutme, I will live with my friend Amina for sometime. She lives just two blocks away, so it won't be any problem." Dadi ended with a finality, putting an end to the argument.

" Thanks gorgeous, you are the best." Arnav beamed at her and blew her flying kiss making dadi giggle and Asad roll his eyes.

" I wish you could also come for the pre-wedding rituals dadi but I know Asad won't allow you and I also agree with him on it as you will just make your health worse by all the running and stress of wedding preparations." Arnav loved dadi as much as Asad and was equally concerned for her.

" My blessings will be always with you and Khushi beta and if can't come now, I will come directly for the wedding, don't worry." Dadi said with a smile.

" So you are coming right?" Arnav asked with hope.

" Do I have another choice?" Asad said with a smile which grew only bigger when he saw the two most important person in his life who were till now looking at him with expectant faces, finally smiled with relief and pure happiness.

One step closer...

One step closer...

I have died everyday

Waiting for you

Darling don't be afraid

I have love you for a

Thousand years...

I'll love you for a

Thousand more...

~~~##*##~~~

Zoya was about to enter her house when she saw an envelope was lying at her doorstep. Not quite knowing what it can be , she picked it up. She entered the house while opening the envelope to reveal a wedding card. But it wasn't the card that caught her attention but the name of the bride and groom which were written beautifully on it. As soon as her eyes landed on the names, her eyes grew wide and she was about to scream in absolute pleasure and surprise when her phone rang, stopping her from doing so effectively. She looked at the caller ID and a huge smile came on her lips. She took the call and even before she could say something or even greet, a girl from the other side chiped

" Like what you see?"

"You are asking me about like? I love it Khushi! I can't believe Arnav finally proposed and now both of you are getting married. I am so happy for you." Zoya said, practically jumping with excitement.

" I also can't believe it. All this feels like a dream. He proposed me two days ago and our family decided to make it official the next day only. The pre-wedding rituals will start after two week and you have to come. I wanted to give you this surprise specially so I practically threatened the person who was to print the cards to send me one in 12hours as I wanted you to be the first one to receive my wedding card." Khushi said with a smile and Zoya also got teary eyed at how much she meant for Khushi, her soul sister.

" Of course I will come? Is it even a thing to ask? I would have come even if you hadn't told me to do so. I will come there in a week." Zoya said happily.

" Come soon Zoya. I will wait for you. You know na I won't be able to do anything without you by my side." Khushi spoke sincerely

" I will. Don't worry." Zoya spoke as she felt Almighty himself has shown her the way.

All along I believed

I would find you

Time has brought

Your heart to me

I have loved you for a

Thousand years...

I'll love you for a

Thousand more...

Both Asad and Zoya were happy at the turn of events but both of them were oblivious to the fact that soon their lives were gonna collide and entwine with each other in the most unexpected way, turning it upside down. Some old wounds were going to be opened and some new chapters were going to be written. Destiny ready with her plans to create a story which no one has heard or read in A Thousand Years.