Thanks a tonne to all those who liked and left behind a comment. Your feedback means a lot to me. Thanks for reading. Here's the next chap.
Chapter 9:
Zoya stood amidst a garden dotted with trees and plants almost bare of leaves, flowers and fruits basking in the last rays of the sun before it hid behind the dark clouds. The gloomy weather and land bereft of greenery would pull anyone's mood down but it didn't affect her. She had decided to look at only the positive aspects of life and not worry about matters that didn't go according to her plans. So instead of looking at the leafless plants, she focused on the tiny buds which were visible on few of them. It signified the beginning of spring; the season of rebirth, colors, festivities and happiness. She hoped with all her heart that the upcoming season would present her with a chance to start anew with those whom she'd hurt unintentionally and bring some cheer and love to her otherwise monotonous and dull life. She was so absorbed in her analysis of nature that all the hustle and bustle around her went unnoticed until someone tapped her shoulder.
"A penny for your thoughts Dr. Zoya?" Rahul was amused at her startled expressions. He knew she was lost in her thoughts as he had been observing her for a while. She didn't even realize his presence besides her until he made it known.
"Come the Dean is on his way here." He guided her through the cobbled pathway into a cottage that stood out due to its striking yellow color with a green rooftop.
The sound of people chatting could be heard clearly even over the distinct sound of pots being stirred, cutlery dropping on floor and furniture being dragged to make space in the dining hall to accommodate people. Zoya had a sudden urge to scream loudly to stop the chaos everyone was making. She groaned inwardly while making her way to the kitchen skipping and tripping over the things strewn across the floor. She was sure they all could pass for kindergarteners instead of qualified doctors. The kitchen was in no better condition than the outside. Three girls were gathered over a counter top trying to kneed the runny dough and two were trying to cook or more like burn the cutlets. Zoya inhaled and exhaled deeply a few times and put on her best professional look which all the girls recognised immediately and made way for her to take over the matters. She quickly assigned them tasks and set at folding the dough cringing at its watery consistency hoping to get food done before the seniors joined them for dinner.
In a span of eight days Rehmat-e-Shifa was going to complete its twenty five years of establishment and to make it memorable it was decided to celebrate the occasion in a unique way; by creating awareness and extending help to those who were not fortunate enough to afford medical facilities.
Twenty doctors from Mumbai, Delhi and Calcutta branches were gathered here in Punjab to participate in the camps that were to be conducted. All of them had arrived today morning and were supposed to meet the Dean of Shifa, Punjab tonight to finalize the medical camp matters.
"I really appreciate the efforts you all have put in for tonight's dinner. I really enjoyed the meal. Whoever gets you as his life partner would be one lucky guy." The 70 year old dean, Dr. Masood Shiekh, said to Zoya who was wrapping up the kitchen. He chuckled seeing her blush. He had taken an immediate liking to her and vice versa. After a few minutes of awkwardness they all dusted off their reservations seeing the dean and senior doctors indulge in talks with them and had enjoyed the night.
"I have to thank you for giving me a chance to be here today though its been only a month since I joined Shifa." Zoya said patting her hands dry with a kitchen towel.
"There's one thing you should know about Shifa, my child. We give an equal chance to every doctor in our institute to prove their capabilities regardless of the time they've been with us. It won't be fair if we do otherwise." Dr. Masood said sitting on the extra chair and pointed at the kettle for tea.
"I guess that's what makes Shifa different from the rest." She quickly filled the kettle with water and put it on stove.
The doctors were divided into groups of five randomly and then assigned tasks by drawing a chit from a bowl. Three groups were to head out to neighbouring villages while one was to stay back and run awareness campaign.
Asad lay on the brown recliner sofa adjacent to the hearth observing the fire crackle and dance. The flickering flames cast orange gold shadows over the room giving it a soft romantic ambiance pushing his thoughts to her as if he needed a reminder. His brain kept relaying images of a certain green eyed beauty with a dazzling smile and his treacherous heart missed a beat every single time. He stretched to pick the acoustic guitar he had found here and strummed lazily the chords of the song which had become the voice of his heart.
"Dehleez pe merey dil ki
Jo rakhe hain tune kadam
Tere naam pe meri zindagi
Likh di mere humdum
Haan sikha maine jeena jeena kaise jeena
Haan sikha maine jeena, mere humdum
Na sikha kabhi jeena jeena kaise jeena
Na sikha jeena tere bina humdum
Hmmm.. hmmm..
Sacchi si hain yeh taareefein
Dil se jo maine kari hain...
Sacchi si hain yeh taareefein
Dil se jo maine kari hain...
Jo tu mila to saji hain
Duniya meri humdum
O aasma mila zameen ko meri
Aadhe aadhe poore hain hum
Tere naam pe meri zindagi
Likh di mere humdum
Haan seekha maine jeena jeena, kaise jeena
Haan seekha maine jeena, mere humdum
Na seekha kabhi jeena jeena kaise jeena
Na seekha jeena tere bina humdum
Hmmm... hmmm.."
Asad dropped the guitar besides him and rubbed his face defeatedly as he realized he couldn't avoid Zoya forever. He couldn't run away from his responsibility towards his family, friends and work any longer just because he couldn't get what his heart desired. When had he become so selfish to forget how much his family and friends needed him? How much they depended on him for small things? Maybe when his heart could no longer hold on to the ropes of dying hope that his prayer would be granted and that all would go back to normal. He was angry at himself for neglecting his dear ones because no matter what happened he didn't have the right to abandon and hurt them this way. He exhaled deeply as he decided to return back at the earliest. Zoyaa. Asad whispered her name softly and closed his eyes rewinding all their moments. He would give her the friendship she asked. He would keep his love for her locked in the depths of his heart and enjoy every minute that he got to spend with her without a complain. Something was better than nothing, right? She would be a part of his daily life again, be near him, what else did he need? He only desired for her to be happy and if she was happy like this then so was he. A beautiful dimpled smile graced his face after a long time as he rubbed his hands eager to return and meet her. He groaned in annoyance and the smile vanished as soon as it had come because he remembered his promise to attend an event out of Delhi. He sighed thinking he would have to be patient and wait for a few more days.
The silence of the board room and concentration of the doctors was disturbed by the shrill ringing of mobile. It was a welcome break as they had been working continuously for hours on the posters and presentations to be presented in the campaign next day.
"Lets pack up for tonight guys. We'll have enough time to wrap this up tomorrow." Rahul said to his colleagues closing his laptop shut as he stood to receive the call.
"Hey Princess. How are you?" He moved out of the room talking.
"I'm fine Rahul. Where were you the whole day? I've been waiting for your call." Zoya spoke from the other side of the line.
"Sorry Zoe, the task at hand kept me busy the entire time. I thought of calling you many times but just couldn't pull myself out of the room. Abhi bhi agar tum call nahin karti to hum kaam kartey rehte. How's your day been?" He explained.
"Its been very hectic like yesterday. We had patients coming in till after the dark. Our camp's location is really nice, its accessible from all around the village and mind you its a big and populated one." They continued chatting for a while discussing the cases and their overall day before bidding goodnight.
The sun shone brightly in a cloudless sky raising temperatures to soaring high. While even the birds and animals were forced to take shelter amongst dense plantation from the intense heat, Shifa doctors were treating the villagers without a break in the open. The only relief they could enjoy was soft drinks stored in ice box which wasn't going to last long either. Someone needed to go into the nearby market to replenish the stock soon. Zoya wiped the sweat beads forming on her forehead with the end of her scarf while scribbling down notes about her last patient in a journal. She was in a sombre mood since morning. Even her brief talk with Inaaya and the knowledge their parents were returning by the end of this week couldn't lift her spirits. Every passing minute in the village was adding heaviness to her chest. She couldn't bear the state in which the people lived here. In contrast to the luxurious lives of cities these people had access to very little to none necessities of life leave alone luxury. The head chief had welcomed them warmly and thanked immensely for conducting free clinics while giving them a round of the village. Patients had started pouring in since the day of their arrival. What tugged at Zoya's heart was that few villagers couldn't even afford medications for simple fever, cold and cough. They resorted to home made, herbal treatments as they couldn't go into town for check ups and often aggravated the illness this way. She had come across patients in grave conditions who needed immediate and advanced medical assistance and upon unanimous agreement they were sent off to Shifa.
Rahul and team gathered around the dining table after a long, tiring day out for dinner. They had decided to do campaigns at malls and public places instead of waiting for people to come to them. Pamphlets were distributed, presentations conducted and free consultation given to aware people of various diseases which were becoming common. Rahul played around the food in his plate. He was disturbed as he couldn't get in touch with Zoya. They weren't able to talk through out the day except for a text wishing morning. He hoped all was fine at her end. The last time he spoke to her, she was upset over the health, sanity and overall conditions in the village. He just nodded and added a few words at appropriate time in conversations over the meal amongst his colleagues.
"Relax doctors, you're not on duty." Dr. Juhi said as they all stood up hurriedly seeing her enter the bungalow. Rahul's eyes did a double take on seeing the person walking behind her.
"Asad" He was the last person Rahul expected to meet here.
"Rahul?" Asad halted in his steps as he was just as surprised.
"You two know each other?" Dr. Juhi inquired. They both nodded.
"Hey man, I didn't expect to find you here but believe me it's really nice to see you." Rahul said engulfing him in a hug to which Asad responded happily. Dr. Juhi left after settling living arrangements for Asad and discussing the timing of next day programme.
"Can I join you?" Asad asked from behind the recliner where Rahul was lying on the terrace.
"Of course. Come." Both of them sat in silence staring at the midnight blue sky lost in thoughts.
"You've done a great job at maintaining the hospital and hiring staff as the owner of Shifa." Rahul said trying to initiate a conversation.
"Thanks." Again an awkward silence followed.
"Asad we didn't start off on a really good note. Honestly I was unaware, Zoya never once mentioned you when we were abroad. But whatever time I got to spend around you during Inaaya's wedding is enough to convince me that you value your family and friends and can go to any lengths for their happiness. Just like how you stayed back for Hassan's wedding even when you were hurt."
"She told you." Asad sighed while leaning forward on his thighs.
"Yes. But only the part what happened seven years back at the party and what she said to you at the wedding, that too few days back when I forced her to speak."
"You must hate me then for hurting Zoya the way I did by saying all that rubbish. You should hate me. I hurt her." Asad said clenching his jaw tightly to reduce the sudden anger flowing through his veins.
"I don't. Yes you hurt her but unintentionally. I know you adore & respect Zoe way too much to say all that without a reason. Don't look at me like that Asad. Only Zoya can be so naive to miss what your eyes express so openly. I told her that she should have questioned you instead of running and blocking you out."
"I can't blame her for what she did but I can't deny that her words stung more than I will ever be able to reveal." Asad said with pain evident in his voice.
"I have always backed Zoya even when I didn't agree with some of her decisions but this time I've made sure she knows she's in the wrong. One minute Asad, I'll just take this call." Rahul said pondering who would call him so late at night.
"Hello."
"Hi Rahul."
"Zoya where the hell have you been? Do you have any idea how worried I was? Why weren't you picking my calls? Did you not find it necessary to respond to any of my msgs? What have I told you about keeping your cell with you all the time? Whose number are you calling from? Please tell me you aren't lost somewhere in that village." Rahul inhaled deeply after firing questions one after the other. He noticed Asad's stiff posture yet his eyes were a dead give away of his longing for Zoya. So he put the call on loudspeaker.
"Uh Rahul am I supposed to answer all those questions in a single breath like you?" Zoya joked with him.
"It's not funny Zoya." He replied seriously.
"I know. I'm sorry Rahul. I went for house rounds to check up on few patients who couldn't come to our base and on the way I misplaced my cell somewhere. We've been searching for it the whole day but still no luck."
"Couldn't you call to tell me earlier?"
"I wanted to, believe me, but I didn't know your number nor did any of the doctors here know it. I had to wait this long for Maya to wake up, you know time difference, so I could ask your number." She said sheepishly. Rahul slapped his forehead and heard Asaf groan besides him hearing her excuse.
"Seriously can you be any more irresponsible Zoe?" Rahul said.
"I didn't do it deliberately. Mujhe yahan ke numbers nahin yaad huey hain abhi and how was I supposed to know I would lose my mobile?" She spoke with such innocence that he didn't have the heart to reprimand her more. He raised his eyebrows in question when Asad forwarded his cell but nodded on understanding.
"Zoe, whose cell are you using now?"
"Dr. Kiran's. Rahul, can you do me a favour? Please send balance on this number. I sort of used it all while speaking to Maya and I'm not sure how long this call will stay connected."
"God. Zoya. Listen now quickly jot down all the numbers I'm telling you. They are Hassan, Rashid uncle, Inaaya and Eesa's. Don't worry about the credit, I'll b sending it to her. Just stay in touch. Understand?"
"I will. I'm sorry to disturb at this time but I knew you'll be restless until we spoke."
"It's good you called, I couldn't sleep a wink out of tension." He nudged Asad and motioned with his hand to talk to her but he shook his head making Rahul frown.
"I'm so so sorry. Go and rest now please. We will talk tomorrow. Good night. Love you Rahul."
"Love you too Sleeping Beauty. Take care of yourself. Bye." Rahul turned with a questioning gaze towards Asad as soon as he disconnected the call.
"Dekho Asad main maanta hoon Zoya ne jo kiya wo galat tha per yeh bhi sach hai ke she is truly apologetic and wants to amend things. You might call it a brother's biased judgement but I think she has suffered enough. Please forgive her now. I can't watch her cry and hurt any more." Rahul said misunderstanding his silence.
"Aisa kuch nahin hai Rahul. I'm not angry with her. Wo to main chah kar bhi nahin ho sakta. I just didn't know what to say to her." He replied walking to the terrace's railing.
"Aik baat batao, you're coming back home with us right?" Rahul asked standing up and upon receiving a nod continued: "Good. I think you should give her and your relationship a second chance. Both of you deserve it. See you in the morning."
Asad watched the sky turn lighter by the moment and the first few golden rays seep through the thick, fluffy clouds in a daze from his position on the floor where he had slipped down. He didn't realize how much time had passed since Rahul walked off. He was looking ahead but not seeing. He was oblivious of his surroundings; all he knew was tonight he felt a tonne better as if a restriction was lifted off from his chest. It was all due to one person, his Zaza. Hearing her voice had done something strange to his heart; it ached longingly with a passion to be near the person who held his affections undivided. Asad smiled in satisfaction remembering he would see her in about two days time. The cool morning breeze caressed him softly as if carrying a message in the sweet, melodious sound of his love; giving him a new hope and determination to remove all misunderstandings and barriers from between them.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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