Chapter 8:
The chime of the bells in the distance combined with the cool fresh breeze of the early morning gave Zoya a moment to think and analyse things with clarity. Today was her first day at Rehmat-e-Shifa hospital where she was supposed to report in a few hours and here she was sitting on the steps of a Mosque; enjoying the calm and peace after praying. Since leaving the Khan Mansion three days ago, her heart and mind were in constant battle with one another. She needed to focus all her energies and attention on her new job putting aside her personal issues. Zoya was known to be a little shy, nervous, stubborn and indecisive in her personal life but professionally she was a completely different personality; one whose only aim was betterment of her patients and who never put anyone above her responsibility as a doctor. The alarm ringer indicated it was time to switch back to that mode and she couldn't have been more happy as this job brought with itself a chance for her to forget her problems and channel her energy somewhere useful.
"Good Morning Dr. Farooqui. You are not due to report for duty for another hour, what are you doing here so early?" Dr. Zeenat Adnan, the senior resident gynaecologist and in charge of Rehmat-e-Shifa hospital, questioned checking her wrist watch.
"Ma'am I thought it would be easier for me to resume my duties on time if I take a tour of the hospital now to acquaint myself with the departments and staff working here."
"I'm impressed with your thoughts Dr. Farooqui. Aj kal doctors mein itna dedication milna mushkil hota hai. Come, I'll show you around." Dr. Zeenat said motioning towards the corridor.
They covered the entire hospital in thirty minutes and now stood in Zoya's cabin. It was a medium sized room with all the office essentials but what appealed her the most was the large window on the right over looking the hospital's lush garden. She made a mental note to get the leather sofa moved to the opposite so that it was possible to enjoy the scenery whenever she had some time on her hand.
"I hope ap ko apna cabin acha laga hoga Dr. Farooqui." Dr. Zeenat said breaking her out of her reverie.
"Yes Ma'am, I like it." She replied with a smile.
"Good. I want you to remember one thing clearly, you might have the owner's backing but to stay here you need to work and show your capabilities. I do not tolerate sluggishness at any time from any hospital personnel. Am I clear?" Zoya nodded her head.
"There are some files on your desk of the cases I'm handling. I want you to go through them, record your analysis for each and submit to me by the end of the day. You'll be working with me as an assistant doctor until I'm assured and confident about you. Feel free to consult me whenever you have a problem. You may rest till your duty starts. Good day Dr. Farooqui."
Zoya swirled on the chair after her senior left, lost in trying to understand what she meant by "you have the backing of the owner". She knew of no one over here except for those whom she met today nor was she acquainted with the board members. Surely Dr. Zeenat was mistaken or maybe she was referring to Hassan. She shook herself out of unnecessary confusion and focused on the files that needed her attention.
Zoya stood in front of her wardrobe deciding her attire for the seminar next day where she was supposed to share her experience from abroad with other doctors from the city's well established hospitals. It had been a few days since she joined Rehmat-e-Shifa and was enjoying everyday of working there. She stiffened on hearing a click of lock and the sound of the main door being opened. The Farooqui Villa was drowned in silence as she was the only one present, so she could hear the noise from downstairs clearly. Her heart thudded in fear as she slowly made her way towards the stair case with a wiper in hand to peep who the intruder was. She sank down on the floor behind a big flower pot and looked around. The main door was wide open but there was no trace or sound of anyone. Suddenly footsteps of someone approaching and dragging something could be heard. She looked up saying a silent prayer for her safety and miraculous escape as she wasn't sure how much of a fight she could put up with a wiper as her weapon. Her eyes turned saucer wide and mouth opened in surprise as she saw the person entering the Villa.
"Raaahuull." Rahul was startled hearing Zoya's scream as she rushed down the stairs and threw herself on him. They stumbled back a bit due to the force but he immediately dropped all his luggage to stabilize them and wrapped his arms tightly around her.
"Whoa, I wasn't expecting such a warm welcome. Lagta hai I should go away more often." Rahul joked.
"How's my Sleeping beauty been doing here?" He asked trying to look at her but she tightened her grip around his waist and hid her face in his chest.
"Is something wrong Zoya? Are you alright? Why is it so silent here? Where are Ammi and Abbu?" He asked looking around as she wasn't letting go of him.
"They are out of country for some business. No one's at home." She mumbled.
"Are you crying Zoya? Let me look at you." Rahul pulled her face up and saw tears running down her face.
"No, I'm not crying. Yeh to khushi ke aansu hain because my brother is back. I missed you." Zoya said with a small smile and trembling lips.
"I missed you too." He dropped a kiss and caressed her hair affectionately.
"Why didn't you tell me you've been staying alone all this while? I would have come back earlier." He frowned thinking how she managed everything herself for the last seventeen days.
"I didn't want you rushing back without completing the work you had gone for. Don't worry, I've been doing great. See." She said stepping away from him and twirling around for him. Rahul saw right through the act that she was putting up. The empty eyes, dark circles and fake smile were evidences enough but he let it go knowing she won't open up if he forced. Both of them carried his luggage upstairs to his room and later indulged in a late night snack.
Loud sounds of cheers blared out of the plasma screen as KKR's player hit a winning four. The Farooqui Villa was bathed in darkness except for the lights coming out of the television and Rahul's laptop which he was currently working on. His gaze would often move to the main door and then to the clock on his screen. It was 9.15 pm and yet there was no sign of Zoya. She hadn't returned from the hospital though her shift was over and this was worrying him a lot. He tried calling her multiple times but found it switched off. He stretched his legs on the centre table and bent a little to receive the call on land line phone. He sighed deeply after keeping the receiver back and leaned his head on the sofa thinking about the conversation he had with Rashid who had called to inquire about Zoya as she hadn't visited or called them once after suddenly leaving Khan Mansion. It cleared even the tiniest of doubt from his mind and confirmed his suspicion that all was not well with Zoya.
Hey Rahul. I'm home. See what I got for you." Rahul smiled hearing Zoya's voice from the entrance, which for once was cheerful. He decided to push the interrogation behind for time being and kissed her head as she side hugged him.
"Where have you been Zoe? You didn't inform me about the delay and I was getting worried."
"I'm so sorry Rahul. I just wanted to bring your favourite dishes but didn't know it would take so much time due to traffic. My cell's battery must have died down, is liye pata nahi chala." She said apologetically.
"That's very sweet of you but please next time se don't go without informing me."
"I Promise. Chalo, ab aao, mujhe bohat bhook lagi hai. I have a good news for you too but wo baad mein." She said pulling him up from the sofa.
"So how's everything going?" Rahul asked chewing the last bite of kabab. She responded with a thumbs up while wrapping up the left over food.
"Did you meet the gang? How are they all doing?"
"Yeah I met them once. Everyone is fine." She said throwing the disposable plates.
"Only once? I thought they would be here every other day since you're back after such a long time." He asked getting up from the chair.
"No. Everyone's got busy with their jobs and families." She said with a small sad smile.
"Have they got busy or you are avoiding them? Don't look at me like that. Rashid uncle called a while before to see how you were doing because you apparently were too busy to even call them once." She remained silent.
"Did you talk to Asad? What did he say?" As he expected her body stiffened at the mention of his name and just shook her head.
"Why?" Rahul frowned. He had explained her so much before their return and was sure she understood and here she was still standing on square one.
"What's going on Zoya?" He asked turning off the faucet and making her face him. He noticed her moist eyes and trembling lips.
"He left his house because of me. I forced him to leave everything and everyone dear to him behind." She whispered with her head hung low in guilt.
"I can't understand what you're saying." He said confusedly. Zoya told him about the small argument they had had at Inaaya's wedding and that she had told him to stay away from her.
"Unbelievable! Why did you say that to him Zoya? What has he done so wrong that you treated him so poorly? Look here and answer me. This silence has stretched on for far too long, I want to know the reason today." Rahul was mad on hearing her. He was someone who always favoured and supported her but this time he felt she had crossed the lines. He lifted her chin to see into her eyes. Zoya kept silent for a few minutes, gaining courage to tell him the truth, the reason behind all the mess between Asad and her. She told him about the conversation she had overheard in the club and the equation they shared all along.
"It was already so hard for me to stay in front of him. All our memories, all the dreams I had seen of a future with him, all the promises he had done, his confusing, hurtful behaviour were resurfacing in my mind. I blurted out words without thinking. I didn't mean any of it. But now all's ruined. He doesn't want to talk to me. He isn't coming back due to me. He hates me. I lost him Rahul, I lost my love once again." Zoya crushed herself in his arms sobbing. Rahul's heart constricted seeing his little sister cry. He knew this was the first time ever she told anyone about what had happened 8 years ago or confessed her feelings for Asad loudly. He rubbed her back and murmured sweet words to calm her.
Darkness faded slowly as the first rays of light penetrated through the metallic grey clouds illuminating the sky. Zoya watched this scene unfold from her position on the window sill of her room. It gave her the hope and positivity she required to look forward in life. Last night she had taken a big step and called Uma, Asad's PA, to ask for his contact information. However much awkward and wrong it was to get his details this way, nor was he going to be pleased with it, she couldn't wait any longer for destiny to play its next move. Zoya couldn't help her heart that was aching for forgiveness and acceptance from Asad, though she had given up on the latter considering the circumstances. She chickened out on the last moment from calling him knowing very well she wouldn't be able to utter a word after hearing his voice and so e-mailed him an apology. Now she was waiting eagerly for his reply which she hoped he gave soon. A small smile spread on her face remembering that Rahul was joining her at the hospital today. She closed her eyes and raised her hands in a silent prayer before getting ready for a jog.
Inaaya flipped through the Entrepreneur magazine distractedly until she came across the article "Women Empowerment." This was a subject that always held her attention and one towards which she was working on with local and foreign Ngos. She was of the belief that women from every class of society deserved to showcase their talents in whatever field they desired and be independent.
"Hey Aapi. What a pleasant surprise it is to see you here. We were just talking about you." Zoya said entering the house followed by Rahul holding food parcels.
"Hey Inaaya. We really miss you a lot." Rahul said as he went to hug her.
"No need to lie. You both brother and sister are together throughout the day and have conveniently forgotten me." Inaaya dumped the magazine on the table and crossed her arms huffing. Both of them exchanged glances and understood she was angry with them as they weren't able to visit her even after the numerous lunch and dinner invites.
"Aapi, ap ko pata haina aisa kuch nahin hai. We just got busy with our duties at the hospital which unlike yours doesn't work from 8 to 5." Zoya said taking Inaaya's hand in hers.
"Exactly and these being our initial days there, workload thoda zyada hai." Rahul said taking her other hand. But whatever they said she wouldn't listen. After a lot of cajoling she forgave them and told the reason of her visit.
"I'm expecting." Inaaya said blushing. Rahul and Zoya's happiness knew no bounds. They squealed and hugged her tightly swinging side to side. Rahul decided this good news called for a celebration so he took both his sisters out for dinner. Inaaya laughed at her siblings excitement as they finalized everything from the room decor to garments to toys for the newest unborn addition to their family as they waited for Hassan to join them at the Italian Restaurant.
Zoya's heart thumped in anticipation as Inaaya received a call from Asad who had called to congratulate her sister. She knew he was just as happy as they were. Her lower lip quivered as Inaaya continued to talk with Asad and by her reactions she knew he was teasing her relentlessly. She sighed closing her eyes and accepted with a heavy heart that he wasn't going to answer her mail as he didn't once inquire about her even after Inaaya mentioned she was out with them. Rahul sensed her inner turmoil and held her hand tightly under the table.
A grey brick cottage with red roof stood amidst lush greenery and mountains covered by a thick blanket of milky white clouds. The cottage was small in size but its architecture and interior decoration made it elegant and gave it a homey feel. Asad sat on the floor leaning against a sofa looking enviously at the swaying trees and merrily flying birds. They all were free; free from bonds, guilt, sorrow, heartbreak and complications. Whereas he was bound, guilty, sorrowful, heartbroken and caged by the complications of life.
"Hello Dr. Adnan. How are you?" Asad's reverie broke as he heard the nurse say his call has been transferred.
"Good Morning Mr. Khan. I'm doing good. I have been awaiting your call since last week."
"Really? Is everything all right at the hospital? Didn't Hassan transfer the funds yet?" He asked frowning contemplating the reason.
"No, no, it has nothing to do with the hospital. All's good here. You must be getting daily updates about everything that goes here now."
"Me? Whose going to tell me? Besides why would I indulge in such things? If I want to know something, I can ask you directly, isn't it?
"Of course Mr. Khan. I just thought with Dr. Farooqui working here now, you must be getting the details and complaints." Dr. Zeenat said signing off the last file.
"I'm not in touch with Dr. Farooqui." He said in a flat tone.
"Really? With the way you told me to appoint her, one would think something else."
"She doesn't even know I'm involved in the hospital and I want it to stay like that." He said firmly. There was silence for a minute before he inquired what complaint she was talking about.
"I thought Zoya must have complained about not getting any case to solve on her own even nearly after a month of joining here as she seems disturbed for the last few days. In my defence, this is the norm here, new doctors have to work under the resident doctors before starting their own clinics." Dr. Zeenat clarified.
"Its okay, you don't have to explain anything. I trust you to do the best for the hospital's interest. Regarding Dr. Farooqui's appointment, I want her to work here as she's a qualified doctor and for a personal reason. I'm sorry to have come off as imposing in this matter, I didn't mean to." Asad said sincerely.
"It's okay Mr. Khan. I understand."
"Before I forget the reason for which I called, I have arranged that long impending medical camp."
"Oh that's wonderful. I'll finalize the doctors who'll accompany us there and let you know the details within two days." Dr. Zeenat replied with a smile.
"That's fine. You can contact my PA if you require any further information or any kind of help."
"Thank you Mr. Khan. You're always so kind and helpful with us and Rehmat-e-Shifa."
"Don't forget I'm a part of the hospital just like you. I might not be there daily but I love it dearly. Have a nice day Doc." Asad ended the call.
He sighed and gazed longingly at his laptop's wallpaper. Zoya. His heart tugged every time he remembered her and that was every moment as her essence was embedded in him. Asad had escaped from Delhi thinking putting distance between the two of them and the place that held their memories would heal his bleeding heart and so he took the first flight to Nainital. He knew it was very reckless of him to leave his parents and friends without a notice but he had no choice. He felt suffocated and trapped in his own house; it wasn't a home for him any more since she left. He knew the living arrangement won't be difficult as Zack owned a cottage there which was empty all throughout the year. So here he was in the beautiful valley of Nainital surrounded by magnificent views of nature albeit he wasn't interested in exploring its beauty. Soon after his arrival he realized that no matter where he lived, he couldn't forget Zoya nor the past they shared, she was in every beat of his heart. Asad clicked on the minimized tab to open the mail which he received from her. He had lost count of the number of times he had read it. Zoya had apologised for her behaviour and said repeatedly that she didn't mean any of it. She had requested him to return and not punish his parents and friends because of her. He shut the screen and threw his head back in frustration over being unable to reply yet and for causing her distress. It was unintentional; both delay in answer and upsetting her. Asad once again lost himself in the abyss of darkness as sleep engulfed him in its arms promising to take him to a land where he never parted from his beloved.
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