CHAPTER-3 Fears. A thing we all have. Some have many, some have less. Some are able to hide it and some are not. But this doesn't change the fact all of us harbor some deep fears ,in the darkest corner of our hearts. These fears often prevent us to think rationally or do what is appropriate. Our mind scream at us but our hearts turns a deaf ear towards its calls as it becomes caged in the dark fears of something unknown. The fears are not something which always come from reality but it is often born from our own assumptions. We build our own jail of uncertainties and insecurities to trap our soul in it. We always like to control everything, consciously or unconsciously and whenever we feel that things are not in our control , fear makes its appearance in our heart. And if we ever get even a slight feeling that something huge is going to happen which will make us loose our control over our lives, our emotions and our souls, we just run away holding the hands of fears. But if we ever stop in our way to be strong and face it, we will find out that sometimes behind the dark and scary fog of fears, lights of thousand stars wait for us to be found out.
Zoya was sitting on the couch near the huge window of her suite. Her hands were resting on the window sill and her head was rested on them. She didn't know why but an unknown fear was gripping her heart. She was having this dream since a forever but this time it was intense like never before and this scared her. Those emotions, those eyes were making her numb and crazy at the same time while her subconscious was silently screaming at her that something was going to happen today which would turn her life upside down. Her was restless and her mind drifted towards the old alleys of past.
Since the time Zoya was able to understand the happenings around her, she has found herself in Sunshine orphanage. The owner of the orphanage Mrs. Abeeda Farooqui, a widow, found her at her doorstep one night whe she was merely few months old. The notes attached to her baby blanket only informed that her parents had died in a car accident and there was no no relatives of them who could or would take care of this little child. Being the kind and compassionate woman she was, Mrs. Farooqui immediately took her under her care. Since then Zoya lived in that orphanage along with other orphan kids. Mrs. Farooqui loved every kid very much but somehow Zoya was her most favorite one among them all. In fact she was the one who named her as Zoya as she was just like a little bundle of life for her and she also gave her, her surname . zoya was an extremely bubbly, sweet, caring and happy-go-lucky girl with an absolutely pure and kind heart. Khushi was an only child of her parents and she with her parents lived just beside the orphanage. She used to come there everyday to play with the children there and thus they met each other and instantly became best friends. They were like sisters from different parents. They went to the same school and then to the same college. They did everything together. They shared such a bond that if one of them was in pain then other cried and if one of them was happy, the other laughed. While Khushi became a forensic expert, Zoya, being the creative girl, grew up to become a painter with an international fame. Khushi got a job in the forensic department of FBI in Paris two years ago. She was not ready at all to leave Zoya alone in Florence as she had a contract with the international art gallery there and couldn't leave Florence before two years. But after a lot of persuading from Zoya, Khushi finally agreed to leave though reluctantly and Zoya stayed back. They talked almost everyday and they keep going to each other's cities whenever they got a little leave. The distance couldn't weaken their friendship, in fact it strengthened it more. Zoya has went to Paris quite a few times to meet her and during her stay there she met Arnav and in a short period of time , they both formed a great bonding. He was like a big brother to her whereas she was no less than Anjali for him and his family also liked her a lot. Zoya had been a huge cupid of their love story as she was the one who had made huge efforts to make them realize their love for each other and now she couldn't be any happier for her best friend.
Zoya's train of thoughts were broken by a very worried Khushi who entered the room saying her name and immediately took her in a tight and soothing hug. Zoya finally relaxed in the hug. She badly needed someone at that time to share her fears and as soon as Khushi hugged her, the damn of her fears broke and left her eyes in form of pearly teardrops which she didn't try to stop.
They broke the hug after few minutes and the moment Khushi saw her red puffy eyes, she knew exactly what might have happened. Khushi was a little away from the hotel with Anjali, Arnav's sister, to receive some guests and bring them to the hotel but as soon as she got Zoya's call, she immediately rushed to her telling Anjali to take care of the situation. She knew from her voice that something was not right with her and after reaching her suite, her state only confirmed her doubts. She took her in a hug and she immediately knew that she was crying but what she couldn't understand was why she was crying as only two hours ago she looked fine.
Khushi held her hands and made her sit on the couch. She asked her only one word-
- Again? She asked in a tensed voice, all though knowing the answer very well. Zoya just nodded in positive and broke down.
- I...I don't kn..know what is ha..hap..happening Khushi. Those eyes were s..so intense, like calling me. I am ver..very scared Khushi. I am feeling that..som..something is going to happen tonight..something hu..huge. Zoya finally let out those thoughts which were creating a havoc in her senses since she woke up from her dream, between her sobs and continuously flowing tears. She wasn't even able to form a coherent sententence.
- Shhh...calm down Zoya, please first stop crying. You know I can't see you like this. Khushi's heart broke seeing her best friend's state. She wiped her tears and cupped her face. When Zoya finally stopped crying a little and looked up, Khushi started speaking-
- Zoya, I have known you all my life and since the time I have come to know you, I have come to know this dream of yours too. I know I haven't lived it like you, but I know how much you feel connected with it. Whenever you get this dream, you completely break down. I thought that with time it will be all right but with each passing days it is becoming more and more worse and I can't see you anymore like this. Zoya I know this is not easy but you have to fight your fears. You have to move on and for that you have to stop running from it. And if you keep closing yourself in your shell, you will never be able to come out of it. You have to fight yours fears for your own sake Zoya. And why are you thinking that only something bad can happen, haa? You are feeling that something big is going to happen but have you thought for once that may be this big thing can be good too? May be today your life will turn upside down but for something good, something best. I know you must be feeling like walking in a blind tunnel but Zoya may be the brightest light is waiting for you at the end of this tunnel only. You just have to muster the courage to walk the distance and reach your light. Take is situation as your first step towards your light Zoya and walk it. I will not force you to come to this party for me but I will request you to do it for youself. In stead of your fears, let your soul guide you Zoya.
Closing her eyes, Zoya took a deep breath to clear her mind. She knew that Khushi was right and she can't keep running from everything due to her fears. She had to face them someday, so why not today?
- I am coming to today's party. Zoya declared firmly with a small smile, looking at Khushi's anticipating face which broke into a relieved smile , making her heart feel light. May be nothing was going to be wrong today, may be something good was really waiting for her in the party. Little did she know that her life was going to be changed forever today, to never become the same as her reality was going to bump with her dreams.
~~~###*###~~~
Both the girls entered the ballroom together. Khushi refused to leave Zoya alone, so she just brought her dress and accessories to Zoya's room and both got ready together laughing, joking and taling which helped Zoya to regain her happy mood to some extent. The party was themed as a masquerade ball, so everyone had to wear a mask. Looking like a princess in a sky blue gown and a light blue, white, and silver combination mask, Khushi hugged Arnav lovingly as he reached to them the moment he saw them entering the ballroom. He reciprocated the hug with equal love , looking like her perfect prince in the light blue shirt and white suit. He also side-hugged Zoya with a warm smile at which she smiled back and returned the hug.
If Khushi looked like a princess, Zoya spelled royal elegance. She looked like a freshly bloomed rose which symbolized beauty, purity and simplicity. Though upper part of her face was almost covered by the wonderful black masquerade mask but it made her deep, dark brown kohl-lined eyes all the more captivating. The make-up was very minimal with just the red lip-stick highlighting her lips. Her simple deep red silk gown flowed on the floor too making it look more beautiful. She didn't wore any jewelry except a delicate gold charm bracelet where small, cute charms were held together by a thin chain. Her straight , long, black hair was left open and was kept on both her shoulders and back. Soft fringes were kissing her forehead and cheeks. In true senses she looked like an angel fallen from heaven on earth.
zoya's dress
zoya's mask
- Arnav where is...Khushi was about to ask him about Asad as she didn't see him even after few moments of them entering the party but was cut off by Arnav.
- He is coming. Actually he got an important call, so he is late. Oh! Here he is! Arnav exclaimed seeing Asad entering the room. Zoya was facing her back towards the entry when Asad entered. Hearing Arnav exclaiming , Zoya turned around but the moment she turned , a person came in front of her , blocking her view effectively and preventing her to see Asad. Zoya stepped aside to get a clear view but collided with the waiter who was passing her holding the tray full of cold drinks. The drinks spilled over her dress making it wet in places and driving her attention away from the new arrival of the party . the waiter and Zoya both mumbled an apology. Zoya grabbed Khushi's hand and told her to accompany her to the washroom to help her to wash it before it leaves any permanent mark. Khushi mutter a quick We will be right back' to Arnav who nodded in understanding and both the girls hurried towards the washroom.
Asad finally entered the ballroom after finishing his important phone-call. He looked over the whole room filled with laughing, chatting and dancing guests. He must admit that this masquerade ball idea was really good. It gave a completely different and as well as mysterious feel to the whole party. He was looking like a Greek god from every angle. Clad in a white shirt, black tuxedo and pant and simple black mask, he seemed ready to kill anyone with his good looks. His intense black eyes, highlighted by the mask and the small smile tugging at the corner of his lips, made him look like the real image of the prince charming that every girl dream about.
Asad scanned the whole room once to finally spot Arnav who was coming in his direction only. Both the friends greeted and hugged each other. While they were waiting for the arrival of the two ladies and the pending introduction between the best friends of the bride and groom, Khushi and Zoya came out of the washroom after cleaning her dress perfectly. As they came out, a waiter came towards and told them to pick a chit from the bowl in his hand. When asked, he just said that he don't know the reason and he was just told to present this bowl to everyone and make sure everyone picks up a chit. Confused, both of them pick two chits, one for each and the waiter left. They opened the folded chits to find numbers written on them. While Khushi got number 13, Zoya got number 28. As they were about to proceed towards Arnav, Zoya tugged at Khushi's hand to stop her who in turn looked at her in confusion.
- Khushi, see I came to this party and I am really trying to not freak over my dream but I am really not feeling like returning to the party right now. I need some time alone. I won't go anywhere far, I am just here in the balcony, you can see me from there but Khushi I seriously want to spend some time alone, little away from this hustle-bustle of the party. Please Khushi. Zoya pleaded her to understand her siyuation and Khushi also nodded in understanding. She knew Zoya was trying really hard to fight her inner fears and coming here tonight was a really difficult thing for her. She was happy that she was trying and she knew that Zoya needed this time to sort out her inner turmoil.
- You will be alright na? Khushi asked with concern.
- Absolutely. Don't worry. Zoya tried to assure her with a smile.
- Ok then. Just give me a call if you need anything ,ok?
- Aye aye captain! Now just go, Arnav must be waiting for you! Zoya said laughingly with a mock salute to lighten the mood and Khushi also smiled at her antics.
- Alright. You take care crazy girl. Khushi said with a smile and Zoya also beamed at her a smile. After a quick hug, the best friends departed in the direction of their respective destination.
Khushi came to Arnav and Asad to find that they had also got the chits. Asad gave her a side-hug which was warmly reciprocated by Khushi. Arnav was about to ask Khushi about Zoya but was stopped by the announcement which was being made by Anjali-
- Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for coming here to be a part of our happiness. I warmly welcome you all to this party. I hope till now you all have gotten the chits and I can guess pretty well from your faces that you all are confused about the function of it. So let me unveil the mystery. As all of you have noticed, the chits contain numbers. So now you have to find the person who have the chit with same number as your. The persons with same numbers will be partners for tonight's party. Interesting right? So now just go and find your partners and enjoy the dance. I hope you all will enjoy this party as well as this game. Have a great time everyone. Thank you.
The moment Anjali finished her last sentence, everyone started searching for their partners. The whole ballroom was buzzing with excitement regarding this game. To their luck, Arnav and Khushi got the same numbers,13, and became partners. They turned towards Asad and burst out laughing seeing his expression. He was massaging his forehead and looking annoyingly at the piece of paper in his hand.
- First I don't like to dance and now this. Where the hell am I supposed to find this number 28? Asad spoke frustrated with a cute pout.
- Did you said number 28? Hey she has got the same number as your. Khushi spoke excitedly.
- Who? Asad asked confusedly.
- My best friend. She is in the balcony. Khushi answered.
- Great. I guess Allah finally had some mercy on me and saved from asking everyone for their number. I am going to the balcony now. I will meet her straight there and we also can finally do our pending introduction too I guess. See you in a while guys. Enjoy. Asad said with a smile.
With that Asad left towards the balcony. Khushi knew Zoya wanted to stay alone for sometimes but something in her heart stopped her from stopping him to go to her. She sent a silent prayer to God to change Zoya's life today forever but in the best way possible, to turn her biggest nightmare to the most beautiful dream of her life.
Zoya was standing in the balcony looking at the lights which were lightening the whole Paris. The balcony was situated on the 30th floor and a breath-taking view of the Eifel Tower could be seen from there. The tower was glowing with the golden lights , the sky was painted with silky black and velvety violet color with some hints of red making it look mysterious than ever. The small numerous stars were glistening like solitaires in the scarf of sky. The balcony was huge and was bathing in the soft but bright glow of the full-moon which shone gently over her. The railings that surrounded the balcony were a perfect combination of modern smartness and ethnic royal elegance. The golden fairy lights and the pink and white orchids and roses which beautifully decorated the whole area gave the hint that a fairytale was soon to be created there.
Asad stood at the huge glass doorway , framed artfully with golden woods, which connected the ballroom with the balcony. The moment he entered there , his gaze landed on the red-fairy who was standing near the railing , lost in her own thoughts. Her long hair was softly flying with the gentle breeze and her fair, creamy complexion was glistening with the moon-light which fell on her. Though her back was facing him ,but still that moment she looked like a fallen angel and his heart skipped a beat. He didn't like dancing but he thought they could surely have a chat. She seemed like a very nice girl from what he had heard from Arnav and Khushi, though he always missed her name somehow. He didn't know why but whenever he heard about her, his heart did weird things. He wanted to meet her since the time he had first heard about her and today he was finally going to meet her.
Zoya didn't wanted leave Khushi but also didn't want to stay in the party. She knew if she had told her, Khushi might have just left everything and gave her company. Zoya felt blessed to have such friend but it was her wedding , it was her time to be happy and not sad about her miseries and she could never ever let her sacrifice her evening, her special moments with Arnav for her stupid fears. So she just decided to stay there alone, hoping that may be these stars have her answers.
Her train of thoughts were broken by the sound of approaching footsteps. She couldn't understand why but with the sound of each step, her heart quickened its beating. When she could sense the person standing just behind her, she turned around but her heel got tangled with the flow of her gown. She closed her eyes tightly fearing the fall but to her surprise a strong pair of arms caught hold of her waist and thus prevented her fall. There was something so unfamiliarly familiar about the touch that it spread a current through her whole system and forced her and forced her to snap open her eyes. A shiver ran down her spine and her whole body froze as she saw her dream staring at her reality.
Asad was slowly approaching Zoya. He didn't even knew her name. So wasn't able to understand how to address her. As he stood behind her and was about call her , she suddenly turned around. she lost her balance and was about to fall when he enveloped her in his strong arms in reflex and prevented her fall effectively. He couldn't help but notice how she fitted in his arms and also how holding her felt so natural, like he had been doing this since ages. He looked at her face. Her eyes which were tightly closed due to fear a split-second ago, now snapped open like it got some electric shock. And the moment his eyes met hers, his breath caught in his throat and his heart-beats came to a sudden halt. There she was, the age old questions of his dreams , now in the arms of his reality.
As Asad and Zoya's eyes got trapped in the whirlwind of some alien emotions, the party fell silent inside the room. The DJ played a romantic song which effectively shushed everyone. Coming through the open door to balcony, the soothing melody filled the whole area and nothing could be heard other than that. Asad and Zoya were still in each other's arms, lost in their own inner battle. Their dreams had crashed with their reality and the explosive tsunami of emotions it created in their hearts, drowned every rational thought, every logical explanation, every scream or warning of their minds.
Every night in my dreams
I see you, I feel you
That is how I know
You go on.
Far across the distance
And spaces between us
You have come to
Show you go on
Asad slowly steadied Zoya and himself. The lyrics of the song was verbalizing their unspoken thoughts which made the air more thick with emotions. Without breaking the eye-lock, Asad extended his hand towards Zoya who took in hers as if under a spell. He brought her closer and placed his free hand gently placed on her waist while she placed hers on his shoulders. Though their masks were hiding their faces to some extent but their eyes couldn't hide their naked emotions. Their realities had met today but their dreams had connected them long ago. Every night they had encountered each other in their dreams and intensity of the emotions of each meeting had left them breathless. They were in two different parts of worlds. The distance was of miles between them but with just one stroke of destiny, they were brought face to face and the line between dream and reality had been erased like never before.
Near
Far
Wherever you are
I believe that the
heart does go on
once more...
you open the door
and you're here in my heart
and my heart will go on and
on
Asad swiftly twirled her out and then gently pulled her in. her back was touching his chest. The soothing air was ruffling their hair but nothing seemed to be able to soothe the flames of intense emotions and confusing web of questions which were burning their hearts and souls. It felt like someone had opened some forgotten and forbidden doors of their hearts and the fact that their eyes had marked their hearts long ago, struck them on their faces like thunder.
love can touch us one time
and last for a lifetime
and never let go till
we're gone
love was when I loved you
one true time I hold to
in my life we'll always go on
Asad again twirled her around and they again came face to face, in their first position. Their eyes never lost contact. Their breaths were coming in short, quiet gasps. The air around them was becoming more and more thicker with unexplainable emotions which chocked them, suffocated their breathing. But still none dared to move apart or break their eye-lock. The speed of their heart-beats were increasing painfully rapidly in sync with each other and their chest seemed to burst because of the constant knocking of their hearts against their rib-cage.
near
far
wherever you are
I believe that the
Heart does go on
Once more...
You open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and
On
You're here
There's nothing I
Fear
And I know that
My heart will go on
We'll stay
Forever this way
You are safe in my
Heart
And my heart will go
On and on
Not breaking the eye-lock, Asad held her waist with both hands and Zoya placed her hands on his chest, slightly grasping his tuxedo as he lifted her off the ground and spin her with him. Then he gently placed her on the ground and while looking into each other's eyes, dipped Zoya backwards , all the while not loosening his grip around her even a bit. Their eyes were searching the answers of the questions which their souls were asking. Every memory, every frame, every picture of their dreams were flashing in front of them like a movie. The images of those painful screams, those honest confessions, those heartaches, those fears , those eyes and the fire was flashing before their eyes. Suddenly a jumbled collage of unknown but familiar images and strangely familiar emotions crossed Zoya's mind making her numb. They were like some mash-up of camera negatives , some forgotten memories with blurred images and faces. It was too quick to get registered completely but it was so rich in intensity that it forced Zoya to break the eye-lock and close her eyes tightly. After taking a deep breath, she straighten herself and without a single word or giving him any chance to speak anything, she ran away from there leaving him messed up like never before. She ran away and finally stopped near a pillar in the ballroom. She leaned on it and placing her shaking hand on her rapidly beating heart she tried to calm it down. Her heart and mind were in a intangible mess of dream and reality. She was hyperventilating and tears were flowing from her eyes. She couldn't understand anything that was happening and the whole atmosphere was chocking her. She badly needed to go out of there, to regain her sanity. She went towards the exit door but for that she had to cross the balcony again. As with her shaky steps she was passing the balcony when she heard a voice which completely froze her on her tracks. It was
His voice, the same voice which confessed undying, true and honest love to her every night. She turned in the direction of the source of the voice. He was saying something on the phone but all she could hear was the confession..."
I love you Zoya". Zoya's head was spinning. She tried to catch hold of something to steady her but only the vase kept on the nearby table fell on the floor, breaking into pieces announced the futileness of her attempt. And before she could understanding anything more, she heard that same voice calling her name , frantic with worry and she drifted to darkness.
~~~###*###~~~
Woah! That was a really long chapter to write. So now it's your time to tell me how did you find this chapter? Was their first meeting good enough and upto your expectations? Let me know it please guys. And the next update is after 35+ likes.
And this chapter is dedicated to surbhi. I met her recently through this story but it feels like I know her since long. She is one of the most amazing persons I have ever came across and a beautiful friend. Thanks a lot for always encouraging me and giving the longest and adorable comments dear. Love you🤗 hope you will like it😃
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