Hello everyone!! Here is something I wrote, just so suddenly! This one is a big thank you to all of those who have supported me since beginning, loyal to all my readings!!
MayurChan, Anopama, Asifiqbalsh, Nilusoni, --Arpita--, -ABI-, binuuu, aseelashah, muskaan17rocks, ayat20, Amina, sasir, -Prinky-, Persiko, Linsie,--Aishwariya--
These people never fail me to make me smile! Whether a single word but they are the loyal readers since the time I started writing! I know you all are sharing this and I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. This writing turned out to be so special that I don't think so you all would mind.
My each and every writing is dedicated to them!
A special mention to my Mayur Dada, who literally made me jump after I read his comment on the recent writings of mine and then muskaan di, who actually never got pms but always reached me and gave beautiful comments!!
Ek special mention to my all time proof reader, jo actually pagla gayi hai after reading this and would have read that probably infinite times, and they way she responded is like I am on top of the world!
Enough of this!! Happy reading!!
[Ab tak sab samjh gaye na, my Rasmalai[Immortallove] rocks!!]
The beautiful pearls, plucked from the crown of Ishtar, the daughter of the dawn, fell down, kissing the ground as everyone rushed to find a shelter to hide under, but she danced clad in a beautiful white anarkali. The water splashed as the she jumped as shrunk in the classical posture her Guru Ji taught, fingers curled in and out and the sweet voice of ankle bell strumming around.
He wiped of the few drops of water from his leather jacket and suddenly his gaze fell on to the most beautiful sight. Among the pillars, on the open stage, she twirled around smiling wide. The camera that hung low on his neck was moved up and snap! One after another at every posture, the image was captured in his camera.
O re piya haye
O re piya
O re piya haye
O re piya
O re piya haye
O re piya
Her braid hit her left shoulder as she stopped. Her right forearm above her eyes and left one below them. She stood still as she saw the camera that was angled towards her. Only her orbitals were visible but his hand moved down as he saw her stopping and looking at him. He could clearly sense that a frown would have been appearing on her forehead, her eyebrows dipping towards each other.
Their gaze locked with each other, unless and until one of her friend, Naina rushed to her and pulled her.
"Chal Zoya! Bohat baarish horahi hai, badme ajaenge..chal!!"
(Come Zoya! Its raining cats and dogs, we will come later..come!!)
Naina dragged her but she kept looking back at him, angry and irritated and he smiled sliding his hands in his pocket and chuckled when she turned ahead.
~*~*~
She wiped her face sitting on the bed smiling as she saw it was still raining. She loved rains and dancing in rain was her passion. She still remembers the days when she was just a 16 years old teenager and used to hide and try copying the ladies that used to perform the classical steps as guided by Guru Ji and once she was caught doing so. She confronted that she loved dancing but her uncle and aunty wont allow, already she was grateful that they provided her shelter and paid the necessary expenses after her parents death. Guru Ji felt pity for her and asked her to perform whatever she learned watching them, and if she was able to then he wont ask for any fees. Naina, her best friend was also in the same crime so they agreed. Zoya performed the first, everyone there were stunned by the grace she held. Not only her feet and hands moved but her face and eyes co-ordinated beautifully. Naina performed but her conditions weren't so. Guru Ji was impressed by the two and agreed to teach them. For Guru Ji she was just like his own daughter, however he was strict too.
~*~*~
He laid down on the bed after a tiring day. He was in this town for the architectural visit and he loved photography. He shuffled through the pictures he took today and stopped on the image of that dancing lady. His lips twisted into a smile and so does her
Her thoughts drifted to the man who took her pictures today. Instead of being angry a sweet smile dared to erupt even without her knowledge.
Udne laga kyu man baawla re
Aaya kahan se yeh hosla re
She reached at Ajanta (the place where she learned classical dancing) with Naina. They bent down and touched the floor and then their chest. She tied her dupatta to her side when she saw the same man who took her photographs. She excused herself and moved towards him. He smiled seeing her approaching him.
"Suno, kal jo tumne kiya vo theek nahi tha... vo saari tasveere hume dedo!"
(Listen, the photographs you captured yesterday wasn't right...give me all those)
Zoya ordered him moving her hand forward.
"I am Asad by the way!" He smiled and introduced himself
"Baat mat ghumaiye janab, hume vo saari tasveere dedijiye..."
(don't try to deviate the topic, give me all those photographs)
Zoya pointed finger at him and then moved her hand to take his camera and he moved it back.
"Aur agar nahi du to?"
(And if I won't then?)
Asad quipped in teasing her and then ran away.
Zoya looked at him wide eyed and then ran behind him. They ran up and down on the stairs, round the stage and pillars, unaware that her Guru Ji was there gazing at them silently. Naina announced his arrival and Zoya turned to him
"Tumhe to hum baadme dekhlenge!"
(I will see you later!)
She huffed and moved towards the stage. The session started and all the girls moved around performing as their Guru Ji guided them and he did his work, he took the photographs.
~*~*~
He smiled silently as he saw the sight in front of him. All the girls were playing around. Everyday he after finishing his work, he used to come Ajanta. It gave him a different peace and contentment. He felt a hand on his shoulder, he looked up to see Guru Ji. He immediately stood up as a sign of respect and first made him sit and then sat beside him.
Guru Ji started talking to him and he replied with utmost respect. He always adored Guru Ji and answered him genuinely. While talking about here and there, Guru Ji always noticed that Asad eyes once in a moment travelled to Zoya.
O re piya
O re piya haye
Zoya did notice his presence everyday but ignored him. Somewhere when he was not in sight, she always thought about his absence. Asad did notice it and always smiled. He never knew what was happening, nor once he thought about what is he doing, he did just because he wanted to.
Zoya stood silently, alone on the stage. It was evening and the cold wind brushed her arms. She broke down and fell on to the ground as it started raining. No matter how grateful she was to her aunt and uncle for providing her with a shelter and a bit of expenses but it always crushed her inside hearing their comments and talks about her. The thing that shattered her the most was they did everything for her just for the inheritance of hers. She would turn 23 in two months and then they would get her married to their son, and then probably either they will force her to name everything of hers to them or would literally kill her to have so. She hugged herself as the rain poured over her crying in her agony.
She felt someone's gaze on her and looked up to see three men gazing down at her, certainly not with good intentions. She got up clearly avoiding their gaze and paced out. They started following her and she rushed up, climbing steps as fast she could. She dashed towards her home but they kept following her. She looked behind too see them still following her while running and crashed into a hard object. She stepped back to see Asad. She didn't know that either she should run that may be he is like one of them or should she stay and ask for his help.
Before she could comprehend answers, he held her arm and pushed her behind him gazing down at the men angrily. One of the goons came forward but Asad slapped him hard. Frightened they all ran away leaving two souls behind them.
Tanabana tanabana bunti hawa haaye bunti hawa
Boondein bhi to aaye nahi baaz yahan haaye
Asad moved forward and covered her with his jacket not once looking at her. She clutched on to the sides of his jacket. She knew how she looked right now, all wet but then not once did he gaze at her. She looked up at him with utmost respect and adoration. He clutched her shoulders and walked her to the Guru Ji's house, as he knew nothing else about her.
The rain shower got even heavier as they knocked at Guru Ji's door. Guru Ji was shocked to see the sight. Asad narrated everything to him from the moment he saw her running. Guru Ji handed Zoya a glass of water and then she narrated how she heard her uncle and aunt talk about her marriage and inheritance. Asad was shocked to hear that while Zoya cried and Guru Ji kept caressing her hairs. Guru Ji called Naina to bring a fresh pair of clothes because he knew if she went home in such a condition at too this odd hour, then what will be her condition. The red hue on her hand clearly showed the atmosphere there.
Saazish mein shamil sara jahan hai
Har zare zare ki yeh iltija hai
His heart cried looking at Zoya's condition. Naina came immediately and handed her over the dress. Zoya went inside to change while Asad stood out concerned. Both Naina and Guru Ji noticed the concern in his eyes for her and then the respect for him in her eyes.
They both sat in their rooms, looking at the moon. The whole moment played in front of them, Both of them thinking about each other with a smile. What was pulling them towards each other? Why their absence mattered each other? Why there was so much respect and concern for each other, when they have not even conversed properly? With a smile and hope to see each other the next day, they drifted off to a peaceful slumber.
O re piya
O re piya haye
O re piya hayye
O re piya
The next day, Naina and Zoya reached Ajanta. As they took their positions all the girls started spinning in circles, following the steps and postures they practiced. Unaware of her own self, Zoya kept glancing at the place Asad generally sat. But today his absence irked her the most. She looked down defeated and twirled again twice moving forward when she saw him, finally sitting there. A sudden energetic vibe surged through her and the next moment the lost energy and expressions were back.
It was the break time and everyone sat down to have it. Zoya excused herself and walked up to Asad.
"Vo kal ke liye shukriya! Agar aap nahi hote to pata nahi.."
(Thank you for yesterday! If you wouldn't have been there, never know if...)
Zoya smiled genuinely at him, expressing her gratitude.
"Hey! That's completely fine... matlab aapko shukriya kehne ki bilkul zaroorat nahi hai.."
(Hey! That's completely fine... means you don't need to thank really)
Asad smiled at her
"Vo hume pata chala ki aap yaha hotel me ruke hai, to ghar ka khana nahi milta hoga na? To issiliye hum yeh ghar ka khana laaye hai, khud humne banaya hai... agar aapko theek lage to kha lijiyega.. hum chalte hai, shukriya!"
(Actually I came to know that you live in a hotel here, so definitely you wouln't be getting home made food? So i brought you this home made food, I cooked... if you feel this okay so have it, I will leave, thank you!)
Zoya said and left before he could say anything. Asad smiled looking at the packet in his hand.
He walked up to the place Naina and Zoya were sitting and asked if he can sit there to whom they nodded.
After a while they finally crossed the line of awkwardness and munched together on the food, laughing and talking.
~*~*~*~
They were roaming in the market and at present were at one of the stalls of famous street food. Naina and Zoya were all praises about the food there and Asad listened intently to them. Asad raised his hand to say something when Zoya caught it looking at the watch.
"Naina aaj to hum margaye! Dekh na waqt hogaya hai claas ka aur hum yaha!"
(Naina we are dead today! Look at the time, its time for our class and we are here)
Zoya said hitting her head with her palm. Naina and Zoya rushed to Ajanta whereas Asad paid the bill and followed them.
Ni re re re ga
Ga ga ma
Ma ma pa
Pa ma ga re sa
Sa re sa re sa
Ga ga re
Ma ma ga
Pa pa ma
Dha dha pa
Ni ni sa sa pa
Pa sa ma pa dha ni sa ni
Re ni sa sa sa...
Naina and Zoya saw that Guru Ji already started the class. They walked silently and tried mingling with the girls but were caught in between. They both ran while Guru Ji chased them with a stick in his hand. Finally catching them he twisted their ears and started ordering them one of the posture.
They both tapped their feet as fast they could and twirled as much as they can, moving in and out. Asad smiled looking at them. Zoya missed a step and stopped realizing. Again Guru Ji ran behind her and she kept running doing the same step in between. Running and dancing she stumbled on her steps and fell but before the floor could soak her presence, she was arrested between someone's arms. She looked up to see Asad's face. The eyes were enough to do the talking's.
Nazrein bole duniya tole
Dil ki zuban haaye dil ki zubaan
They were out in the market, turning a guide for Asad. While Asad observed some of the handcrafts, Naina dragged Zoya to one of the ear rings stall. Zoya loved earrings after the anklets. She started searching a good one for herself and then found a beautiful pair of jhumke. Picking it up she placed it near her ears and looked up to see in the mirror, to see Asad showing a thumbs up sign to her. She smiled and asked for the price to the vendor. Although the price wasn't too much but she knew it was for her. She cannot waste money here. She politely declined and looked around for something else, once in a while gazing that ear ring.
She saw a beautiful shawl and immediately liked it for Asad. After a bit of bargaining she bought the shawl and handed it over to Asad and then went to Naina silently stealing a glimpse once in a while of Asad who was stunned.
Ishq mange ishq chahe koi toofan
Chalna aahiste ishq naya hai
Pehla ye vada humne kiya hai
Naina left making some excuse, wanting the two to spend some time with each other. They were busy looking at the monuments as Zoya guided him when it started to drizzle. They ran to Asad's hotel the most nearby place they could find. Entering Zoya looked around and suggested if she could make something for him? Asad agreed and helped her out. They talked and fought even on some of the topics but then laughed at their arguments. Finally after an hour they both sat down to have their food, when the electricity went due to the heavy rain. Asad found a candle and lighted it placing it in between. Her face glowed under the dim light as she looked at him. Making the first morsel she offered him. Realizing what she did, she was about to retreat her hand back but then he had the bite.
The awkwardness vanished a while later and they enjoyed the food. Sensing the rain stopped she got up to leave when he held her hand and pulled her closer. She looked at him as he moved closer. Her eyes closed at the sudden proximity. Sliding the earring in her ears through the pierced skin, he turned her towards the mirror in the room. She opened her eyes to find the same pair of jhumke she liked. She touched them and smiled looking at him, silently thanking him. She left for home smiling. She knew there was something some more and some more.
They kept meeting each day and both knew what it was brewing and both were ready to accept it. The place near the lake was their favourite. He was the photographer and she was his diva. Each day they shared lunch and then roamed out after her classes. Sometimes he even tried to learn the way she dance but failed each time.
O re piya haye
O re piya haye
O re piya
Piyaaa......
Unaware what was written in her destiny she walked to her home, happy with the moments between them. As she pushed the door open, angry faces blurred her vision and then the voice of slap echoed in the room. Her aunt confronted her and warned that if she met Asad again, but strangely there was a courage verging in her that she dared to answer back. She tried each way, calm, composed, aggressive and compromising but her uncle and aunt weren't ready to listen her. She rushed to her room and sat on the bed tired and frustrated. For a change she wasn't crying because she knew this time she wasn't alone, she had Asad.
It was again raining cats and dogs as she twirled around among the pillars of Ajanta. Her aggression, frustration, sadness all were crystal clear in her steps. The bells in the ankle bell clashed against each other, as her taping became fierce. She wished that her parents would have been alive so that she would have never to face this. She again twirled but crashed against a hard chest.
Asad saw how she was dancing, her steps spoke volumes about her turmoil. He walked towards her and she crashed against his chest. He held her and made her face him clutching her arms. She looked at him and narrated everything. Though they never confessed but their feelings were so evident, that they never needed words. He cupped her face and nodded in no. The rain cannot hide her tears. She wasn't crying because of the tortures she faced, but what if she and Asad parted ways, what if they never saw of each other again? She cannot think of the day and she closed her orbitals clutching the palms that held her face. He rested his forehead on hers as they sky cried. She opened her eyes and was shocked to see her Guru Ji standing along with Naina looking at them. Asad and Zoya exchanged worried glances looking at them.
Nange pairo pe angaro
Chalti rahi haaye chalti rahi
She looked down at the files, though she was feeling guilty but then what her so called family was doing with her was right? Taking all the files that claimed her inheritance, she silently closed the cupboards and ran out. She opened the diary of her mother gave once and clutched it close to her heart. Even her mother never liked her aunt and uncle but then she never wanted her daughter to learn this. But always she wrote one thing that whatever happens she would never let her daughter compromise against her wish. She closed the diary and looked out remembering her Guru Ji and Naina's words
"Zoya kisse apna man rahi ho? Jinhone kabhi apne hone ka farz nahi nibhaya? Zoya agar tumhara nikaah Akram ke saath hogaya to zindagi barbaad hojaegi tumhari. Kya tum sachme chahti ho ki tumhare parents ki jama punji jo unhone tumhare liye chodi hai vo unke galat hatho me chale jaye?"
(Zoya whom are you regarding as you own? The one who never played the role of being your own? Zoya if you got married to Akram then your life would be destroyed forever. Do you really wish to submit your parents blessings and belonging to those wrong hands?)
Guru Ji, tried explaining Zoya who looked at him confused
"Zoya, aaj agar unhone tumhe aaj iss halat me rakha to vo bhi sirf isliye taaki vo tumhari saari jaydad hadap sake! Unke liye tum apni dil ki baat nahi nazarandaz karsakti... hum ne dekha hai ki kese tum aur Asad ek doosre ko pasand karte ho Zoya..."
(Zoya, if they cared a least about you till date, was only so that you could issue your inheritance on their name! You cannot your hearts desire for them... we saw that how much you and Asad like each other..)
Naina added and keeping a hand on her shoulder she continued
"Zoya agar tumne kabhi bhi hume apna mana hai to kal show ke baad tum yaha se chali jaogi Asad ke saath. Humara kya hai? Meri to shaadi hojaegi kuch dino me aur Guru Ji pe koi shak bhi nahi karega! Please Zoya!"
(Zoya if you ever considered as you own than tomorrow after the show, go away with Asad. What about us? I am getting married in a few days and no one would ever doubt on Guru Ji! Please Zoya!)
"Mujhe Asad pasand hai Zoya, acha ladka hai vo, tumhara khayal rakhega Zoya!"
(Zoya I really like Asad, he is a good man, he will take care of you Zoya)
Guru Ji spoke and placed his hand on her head.
Zoya always considered Guru Ji her father and Naina her sister. Hearing them she felt a sudden wish of hearing her heart! She nodded and hugged them. So what if it was a risk, so what they only knew each other since a few days? If there was not a happy future at least she can try? What will she lose, from one place to another in hell? But somewhere her heart never allowed her mind to wander through the dangerous territory.
Lagta hai ke gairo mein
Palti rahi haayee
Zoya twirled around with other girls as their show begin. She looked at her so called family who were there so that they can keep an eye on her.
After she took all the files she handed it over to her Guru Ji but he denied to take it instead he told that if she really want to do something for him then just go away with Asad and lead a happy life with him and also never leave dancing. Naina handed over her and her would be husband's number so that if she need that someday.
Finally her part was over, she ran back to her Guru Ji, hugging him once and then Naina, she looked Ajanta one last time and then left.
Le chal waha jaha
Mulk tera hai
Jaahil zamana
Dushman mera hai
Haayyee
Zoya ran out to see Asad waiting for her. She ran to him and hugged him. Covering her with the shawl, he helped her to sit in the cab and then placed himself. He wrapped his arms around her and she placed her head on Asad's chest. He silently pecked her forehead once, promising a happy future, of their being together. Looking at her city one last time, she placed her palm in his and stepped towards a future with him, whether happy or sad, but a future together.
O re piya haye
O re piya haye
O re piya haye
O re piya haye
O re piya haye
The voice of ankle bells filled the atmosphere as she tapped her feet against the marble and then jumped and twirled as her hands worked. She looked in front of her and smiled. Her mother in law and sister in law held her 2 year old daughter, Rhea, who clapped as she saw her mother dancing and her brother in law was busy staring at the girl behind her, his fianc, just like her husband used to when she was a student. She heard the voice of click and knew who could be this. As her step demanded her to turn right , she saw her husband doing his favourite work, capturing her. She announced a break for the girls who were tired.
She stood there practicing a step when he felt his presence behind her. He slid his hand on hers and followed her steps, just like a shadow.
"Aaj kitni tasveere khichkar hume apne camera me kaid kiya?"
(So how many times you captured me in your camer today?)
Zoya teased as she bent on one side and so did Asad
"Itni ki aap gin bhi nahi paengi!"
(You wont be able to count)
Asad teased her as she looked the other side and stretched her foot, and he just like a shadow, followed her
"Acha?"
(Really?)
Zoya teased him and when he saw no one looking at them, he pecked her cheeks and opened his mouth but before Asad could reply they saw Rhea jumping towards them. Zoya picked her up and pecked her nose. She saw Rhea hiding something. Asad opened her palms to find a small bell and laughed. Rhea loved copying her parents, either she used to wear Asad's shoes and walked around the whole house, talking in her own babyish language on her toy phone, just like her father or she was found tapping her feet, trying to make noise with her anklets and copy the posture with her hands as her mother does.
Zoya was the happiest, may be she took the right decision. She silently thanked her Guru Ji and Naina and then got busy with her own sweet world where Asad made faces and Rhea and Zoya teased him. She was happy and content in her own world.
Life is all about changes and risks! One risk and there is a change. If she would not have taken a risk today there would have been no happy life. Unless and until you take a risk, there is no change. Change is a part of life, good bad that depends on the outcome.
Hope you like it!
Waiting for your reviews!! Ignore mistakes please!!
Take care!!
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