CHAPTER-2 Life is a strange journey which will lead to where no one knows. We have to resume walking no matter how the path is. This is a journey which don't give us a chance to stop or to predict the next turn. One moment we feel that we have complete knowledge about where we are standing and the next moment we find ourselves on an unknown, unrecognized road, without a way to go back . We don't choose the paths but destiny choose us to walk on those paths as someone equally lost and helpless as us is also on that road, waiting to find the same answers. And before we can understand anything, our worlds collide with each other and our paths get tangled.
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Asad just closed the lid of his suitcase after finishing packing. It was one week after Arnav's call. He and his whole family was continuously urging him to come and he had finally booked the tickets and was all ready to take the flight of early morning the next day. Arnav was just like a brother for him, his best friend since forever. As much as he wanted Asad to come, Asad was also dying to be a part of his biggest happiness. But he was just apprehensive about leaving his dadi here, knowing that she wasn't well. His world revolved around his dadi. Being the only son of an extremely rich businessman or being blessed with very loving parents didn't mean that Asad didn't have any pain in life. He lost his both parents in a fatal accident when he was just a small kid of three. He lost his parents even before could have any proper memories of them . since then his dadi is taking care of him. She has showered him with so much love that he couldn't feel the void created by his loss. He missed his parents but his dadi filled the place of all relatives in his life. Like an angel she had always protected him from every pain by shielding him with her wing.
If dadi had been his angel, Arnav had been his pillar of strength. They had met on the first day of kinder-garden and instantly became friends. They were inseparable since then. If anyone from outside would see them, they would mistook them for real brothers. They had always been there for the other, supporting and encouraging. Arnav is a fun-loving, smart and golden -hearted person. And not only him but his whole family considered Asad as a essential part of them. He was no less than Arnav for them. Arnav had a huge family consisting of his dadi, parents, uncle , aunt, elder sister and a cousin brother with some new additions recently like his brother in law, one niece , one nephew and sister-in-law. The day he introduced him to them, they welcomed him warmly with open arms. Though dadi never let him feel lonely but the Raizada's gave him a family in every sense. He and Arnav went to Paris for higher studies where after completing his graduation he desired to join DGCI. Though he was graduated architecture, his interest, but he wanted to join FBI as he always wanted people get the justice they deserved. He didn't want innocent people to live being insecure about their lives being snatched away by some criminals. He wanted to save them, something which couldn't do for his parents. But still he was ready to leave his dream as he couldn't afford to leave his dadi alone in India and he also knew that she would never agree to leave the country where she had spent her whole life. But dadi came to know about this from Arnav and she herself talked to him regarding this. After a lot of convincing from dadi , Asad finally agreed to llive his dream as dadi took this promise from him. Arnav also joined him there as he also shared the same dream as Asad. Though he also belonged from a very rich business-family, but his family always encouraged him to pursue his dream. Everything was going good. It had been two years since they had joined DGCI and had established themselves as one of the best agents they ever had, especially Asad. But suddenly Asad got the news of his dadi's heart-attack which shook the ground beneath his feet. He immediately flew to India. Though she was saved but the doctors told him not to give her any stress and take proper care of her and that was it for Asad. He left his job to come back to India. Though all were sad with his decision there, but they understood his situation and completely supported. Arnav also wanted to come but Asad stopped him as he was already setteled there with his family. After a lot of emotional talks he finally agreed to continue his job but not before making him promise to keep in touch on a daily basis which he readily and happily agreed. Dadi was blaming herself for everything but Asad made her understood that it wasn't her fault. Asad took over the responsibility of their chain of seven-star hotels which till now their trusted employees were handling with dadi's supervision. Asad was a very hard-working person, so in this line also he made his name shine. In just two years, he became one of top five business-tycoons of Australia and also the youngest one. Though he had never went to Paris after that, he was in touch with Arnav and his family on a regular basis. And now he was about to go back to him, his family, Paris and his past.
Asad's train of thoughts were broken by the nock on the door. He looked up to find his dadi at his door, with the forever-smile on her face.
-Packing done? Dadi asked while taking a seat beside him on the bed.
-yeah. Are you sure you can manage? Asad asked again to make sure, he couldn't take any risk with her health.
- yes I am sure beta. I am going to my friend's house and her son and daughter-in-law would also be there. You can trust them with my care. They are telling me since a long time but I always delayed. I am sure they will take very good care of me. Asad, from the past two years, you haven't taken a single break. Either you are working or taking care of me. You also need relaxation beta. And after all it is Arnav's wedding. You know how much he loves you. You should be by his side on his best moments. Don't you know how happy he would be with your presence ? dadi tried to reassure him at which he just nodded cutely. Dadi smiled at his expression . he still looked like that three -year -old , innocent child. She took his hand in hers and gently caressed the faint Z' scar on his palm. Asad smiled softly at her gesture and then he heard dadi speak-
- you know Asad, someties Allah shows us the right way but we just become too late to recognize it and when we do that, we find the doors already closed. Promise me, if you ever find that way, you won't give up until you figure out what is behind that door. Dadi said looking into his eyes. Not knowing what to say, Asad just nodded and hugged her. Dadi affectionately ran her hand over his head and said in her mind with a thoughtful expression -
- I haven't told you the most important reason behind my insistence Asad. I am wanting to send you there because I feel that finally all your questions will be answered there. The dreams which are haunting you since ages, are finally going to find their reality there. Yah Allah! Keep my child safe and please guide him to find his way...
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Zoya entered Khushi's suite to find her on a call with Arnav. Though Arnav and Khushi both had their own houses in Paris but still decided to shift in this lavish hotel as all the ceremonies were going to be held there. Both the families had shifted there for the time being and the guests were also to stay in the same hotel. Zoya had reached there just the last night and was busy catching up with everyone. She had met Arnav once or twice and instantly found an brother in him. Zoya saw Khushi hanging the phone and decided to tease her
- Done romancing with your would-be-husband? Zoya asked with a teasing smile.
- It is nothing like that Zoe. Actually Arnav has gone to the airport to pick up his best friend . you know Zoe, their bonding is just like us. I have heard so much about him everyone, specially Arnav, that I can't wait to meet him. I have talked to him some times and also have seen him on skype but this is the first time I will meet him. You know, whenever I talk to him, I feel like he is just like that elder brother I always wanted. I always thought of teling you about him but I always forget. But now you can meet him personally in tonight's party and I am sure you will also like him. Khushi spoke excitedly making Zoya smile. She knew , being an only child, Khushi always craved for siblings. Though she got a sister in her but the place of a brother was still vacant. And when she was giving this place to this man, Zoya knew that he must be that nice and affectionate. She was about to ask his name but Khushi's mom called her. Khushi apologetically excused herself but not before telling her to be ready on time for the party which was going to start after few hours. Zoya smilingly shook her head at her crazy friend's antics. Arnav and Khushi have organized a party for their family and friends that night. It was a masquerade ball. Zoya thought to take a little nap in her room before the party starts. So she headed towards her room.
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Asad finally landed on Paris International Airport after a journey of more than 12 hours to find Arnav waiting for him near the arrivals. As soon as he saw him, his tiredness vanished and a huge grin appeared on his face. Both the friends hugged each other. They didn't give any highly emotional speech but the smiles on their faces told how genuinely elated they were to meet the other after so long. They both headed back towards the hotel after that as Asad needed some rest before joining the party at night.
Darkness. Darkness was all she could see around her. The darkness wasn't soothing or peaceful like night but suffocating and uncomfortable, making her feel claustrophobic. It was devoid of any light, any emotion, just like death. As soon as this thought crossed her mind, she chocked on her breath. She took some steps backwards and then started running. She didn't know where her legs were taking her. The only that was going on in her mind was that she somehow have to come out of this darkness. But the darkness seemed never ending. As much as she tried to get rid of it, it seems to only intensify. She was feeling completely helpless. Everything around her was drowned in pitch black darkness, blocking all her ways. She finally stopped running, panting and gasping for air. Just the moment she lost all her hope of light, a faint orange light started to surround her making a beautiful dimpled smile appear on her lips. But her relief was short-lived as the heat around her started to increase with increasing brightness of the light. Her smile vanished and her eyes widened in pure horror when she saw the same faint light now has transformed into huge hungry flames of bright red and yellow. The blazing fire seemed like a destructive monster who will destroy anything and everything which will come in its way. Pearly water droplets of utmost fear and helplessness started to fall from her eyes. She started to run again but this time wishing that it was the darkness instead of this fire which was coming behind her. It was like the Saturn himself was thirsty of her blood. Her feet came to a sudden halt as she spotted someone in front of her. She squinted her eyes to have a better view and saw a little girl was standing there amidst the deadly flames of fire, crying for help. Seeing that little girl, she didn't know why but her heart ached and she decided that she have to rescue that girl. She didn't know what filled her with this inhuman strength but she started walking towards the death trap from which she was trying to run away till now. She had almost reached the girl when all of a sudden a wall of fire appeared before her making her stumble backwards losing balance. She tripped on something and started to fall. She immediately closed her eyes waiting for her death to engulf her but strangely in stead of feeling the burning heat of fire, she felt a soothing warmth of two arms which engulfed her, preventing her fall. She slowly opened her eyes and found herself lost in the most intense eyes she has ever seen. The darkest black orbs were gazing right into her brown ones, piercing her soul and making her feel exposed. Her heart was thumping in a maddening rhythm and breathing was fast. Her mind and heart were filled with numerous questions. The feelings which she was feeling at that moment were so alien yet very much known to her. She looked in those orbs ,in search of answers but found only undying love and care for her shining in them which left her heart filled with a strange warmth and her mind with more questions. The man finally made her stand on her feet and that's when she noticed that his whole face was covered with a cloth and it was only his eyes which was visible. Not feeling the fire anymore surrounding her, she looked around to find the fire as well as the darkness gone and in place of them was a beautiful garden . Different kind of flowers were gracing the whole area, gentle breeze was blowing , birds were chirping and butterflies were flying over the flowers, in short it looked like a beautiful dream, without any traces of the horrible nightmare which she was living few moments ago. She again looked at him when she felt a soft, tender touch on her cheek. He gently cupped her face and wiped the tear drops which unknowingly has left her eyes, with his thumb-pad and nodded his head in a to and fro motion, indicating her not to cry. His eyes were filled with a strange tenderness which made heart skip a beat. She closed her eyes at his touch and opened them when she heard him speak-
- " 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 who was till now lost in his words, came out of her daze when she saw him going backwards. To her utmost fright, the darkness has returned and has started to consume her little heaven slowly. She was shaking her head vigorously to stop him but he kept going backwards. She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs , telling him to stop but no words came out of her mouth .The darkness engulfed him completely in front of her eyes and a blood curdling scream escaped her lips-
-NOOO... Zoya woke up screaming. Her eyes were red, tears were continuously flowing from them. Her breathing was coming in short gasps and it felt like her heart was going to erupt. This dreams has been her companion since forever and this very dreams had been the reason, to run away from which she hastily came here. But it looked like instead of going away, the dreams attacked her with more intensity. This time the dream was the most deep than ever which made Zoya's heart scream at her that something huge was going to happen that day. Zoya took large breaths and with trembling hands, took the glass of water from her bedside table. She finished its whole content thirstily and after calming down her nerves a little, she took her phone and called someone who took it on the second ring only. Before the person from other side could say anything, Zoya spoke with a shaking voice-
-Khushi...I can't come to the party today...
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Hey guys. So I am back with chapter two. A huge huge thanks to everyone who has liked and commented for this story. And specially those who have promoted this story. I am really overwhelmed guys and can never thank you enough for your love and support.🤗
Now I want to say another thing. I have observed that there are many people who read the story but never bother to even like. I am not saying that if you read this, you have to like this but am saying that if you like this, at least hit the like button. I am not asking for comments but being the writer I can at least ask to hit the like button if you like this as this is our main motivation to write. So I have decided that I will update the next part after 35+ likes. I guess this is the only way to make them active. If this demand gets fulfilled, you will get the next update next week. Please don' be angry on me or think that I am number-minded but this was my only option to make other readers active.
So till then enjoy this and buddy me for PMs😊
Edited by asya7 - 9 years ago
Cricket
