Chapter 25

Zoya stands at the entrance of The Temple playing with her pendant desperately praying that The Hooda Brothers Turn up . Manorama is the first to arrive at the temple . Zoya smiles seeing Manorama

"Hi bye bye " Manorama greets chirpily setting her hair .

"Hi madam " Zoya to tell cheerfully liking the Lady .

"Madam? Call me aunty girl .. You?" She tells patting her cheeks , Zoya gives a happy grin in return Mother and Son Both are same .

"Zoya" She replies to Manorama .

"Beautiful Name Just Like Me " Manorama tells Haughtily pushing her hair back .

Pinky who gets down from the Car frowns seeing Zoya and Manorama .

Zoya's lips curve down Seeing Pinky but She manages to pull her lips to a fake grin .

"Oh my god's You have gone fatter Pinky than Last Year" Manorama tells Shaking her head as Pinky frowns at her .

"Is the Foreigner Feeding You more? " Manorama asks inspecting Pinky from head to toe .

Zoya bites her lower lip to stifle her laugh seeing Pinky's expressions clearly displeased .

"I am Doing well " Pinky answers and walks forward irritated While Manorama pats at Zoya's cheeks and Follows suit inside the Temple .

Mohanji and Mr.Hooda arrive next to The Temple . Zoya greets them with a smile .

Parth asks her " Are the Boys Here?" ,

Zoya shakes her head negatively making Mohanji and Parth sigh , " I knew this!" Parth mutters under his breath and walks inside the Temple leaving behind a sulking Zoya . Mohanji gives her reassuring smile as Zoya returns it with a small smile as Mohanji too trails behind Parth.

Having nearly lost all hope , Zoya decides to walk inside the Temple and apologize to Mr.Hooda indeed She had failed this time . She turns on her heels but a screeching sound of Car catches her attention . Zoya's grins widely as She sees Arjun step out of his car . He smiles at Zoya who smiles back at him .

Zoya's gaze Shifts from Arjun to the another Car pulling up at the Temple . She claps her hands cheerfully seeing Yash while Arjun walks in . Smiling sheepishly Yash walks up to her .

"Waiting for Me Young Lady?" He flirts asking Zoya

Zoya smacks on back of his head smiling as She says " It is not me Your Father is Who is Waiting for You !".

"Ouch Woman Keep your hands to yourself " Yash says rubbing his head as She raises her brows giggling .

"Go in Your Father would be eagerly waiting for you !" Yash gives her a smile as He walks in.

Mohanji walks up to Zoya who waits anxiously for Aditya to show up . Giving her company Mohanji too waits for Aditya .

"Seems Like he will not pull here Zoya "

Zoya shakes her head negatively disagreeing with Mohanji " No He will come !" .

Sighing Mohanji walks inside the Temple while Zoya keeps waiting alone for Aditya to pull up there . Waiting for more than a hour Zoya walks in with a crest fallen face . Seeing Mr.Hooda and Mohanji conversing to each other . She walks towards them .

Seeing Zoya Mr.Hooda sighs knowing what She is to tell . "I am sorry I could not get all of them " She starts apologizing ,

"Okay" Saying that Mr.Hooda walks in to join the Family as the Observation is to start .

She sighs seeing him . Mohanji pats on her head "Don't worry Zoya , you were able to get two , Getting Aditya here would be a miracle after all ! "

Zoya forces a smile on her face as She says "I thought I might have gotten through Aditya and have the miracle happened today but seems Like no , maybe I got a bit too cocky since I got the First mission successful ".

"Zoya You are partially successfully So no worries "

"But it is not completely " Zoya answers with a sad smile as She continues "I get going it is a Family Function it will not be appropriate of me being here " Saying Giving him a smile She turns on her heels .

The Memorial Function Starts as They Family Does Pooja For The Hooda Sons . A Priest walks up to Mohanji to give the Prasad as the Priest tells " This Year I am Sure the Souls of Hooda Sons would be happy as Their Sons attended to pay respects ",

Mohanji confused says "But One did not attend " He says referring to Aditya .

"No Everyone Came One Boy Stopped early in the morning and Paid respects for His Father Infact He left a Bunch of red roses in the name of his Father " .

Mohanji's lips curve up in a smile knowing that Aditya had indeed attended and Zoya had been successful in getting the Brothers to The attend .

Walking Out of the Temple Mr.Hooda with Pinky and Manorama and Mohanji .They stop at the exit .

Pinky starts talking as She says " So When are you Leaving Manorama?" . Manorama frowns not liking " Why does it bother you Pinky? Ohh I guess you will be leaving by today right?" She asks back

"Why would I leave soon ? After all I am the Mother of the Heir Of Hooda's companies !"

"What ? No my son is the Potential Person Who could Take over the Companies " Manorama snaps back at Pinky .

Pinky laughs " Are you For Real? , Arjun does not count as He is illegitimate afterall His Father was born through concubine !" She mocks at Manorama . Manorama Fumes in anger while She tries to answers back is cutoff by Mr.Hooda.

"Just Shut up ! None Of Your Sons are Competent to Take up the Position of the Heir , and If I have to rather I would scour the Planet to Find Any other children my Children might have Fathered !" Parth snaps at them both Making Pinky and Manorama to close their mouths .

Yash brings the Car and Waves out to Pinky to Join . Pinky who is ecstatic that Her Son is taking her to the Mansion Excuses herself from Everyone and Walks to the Car and sits in the passenger seat all the while smile never leaving her Face .

"Mamma Let's get going " Arjun comes to Manorama and tugs at her Hand who smiles seeing her son . Greeting Parth a goodbye She walks with Arjun who had promised to Drop her to Her Place.

***

Zoya walks into Her Room and starts packing her things . Having Packed She turns to look around the Room . Her moments in the Place coming past her eyes . Her mind drifts to the Day She had made Aditya Coffee . The Cat Fight they had , He giving her attitude and Keeping the coffee in the table splashing it and her throwing pillow at him pissed . Zoya's grin widens as She remembers How she had peeked her head into his room to Find Him Drinking her Coffee relishing the taste assuming that She had Left .

And The Day She had taken him Pasta at Late night , after a heated session She had stomped out of the room but She did not leave instead She had waited to make sure He ate it all .

Their antics Hugs , Kisses , He pinning her to the wall to say that She looks cute in PJ's , His Laugh His smile , His anger. She is gonna miss them all. She holds back her tears as She chuckles through her tears

Main Tha Reh Guzar, Tu ne Thama Iss Qadar,

Ab rahi na koi bhi fikrr.

Main Tujh main Bannt lun, yun khud ko humsafar,

Reh Na Jaye koi Qasar.

"Why Am I even crying ? Am I not Leaving My Home right?" She questions herself chuckling trying her best to stop her tears from falling

Tere Bina Mera Lage Na Jiya

Tere Liye Hi Dhadke Jiya

Her and Yash's dusting around the Mansion as He took her phone . Yash with cuddling with his Teddy Bear and her prank of splashing water over him making him shout "Tsunami " . Zoya chuckles as Her eyes becomes teary as She gets hold of the trunk handle .Her Rock,Paper,Scissor with Arjun . Ajju's birthday surprise . Their banters together .

Mohanji's appreciating Her and His protectiveness Like her Father and Importantly She had Found a Mother Figure in Meena maa .

Before Zoya could understand a tear drop slids down as Her heart yells , She had Finally Found a Family in them Despite every difference they have stayed by her .

Taking out a Piece of Paper She writes on it , ' I have never have Been Happy in My Life Like the Few Days which I had stayed in this Place . Thank you so much for everything . Now it is Time For me to Leave – I Don't Deserve Here anymore "

Pulling out her Phone She clicks on the Gallery Icon . as She sees their picture the Tears She had kept at bay falls down as She sits on the bed and wipes away the tears and caresses their picture which She had successfully blue-tooth it to hers from His the night before when She took his Phone to Play music. Her mind drifts to how they he got their selfie.

He smirks as He moves forward closing the gap between them encircling her arms around her waist as her breath hitches "What ...are...u.doing " her words struck.."I have to gift you properly shouldn't I?" He gives her a devilish grin ..Still holding her in place he pulls out his phone he moves more closer breathing onto her cheeks. A sigh escapes her lips as she closes her eyes ..He smiles seeing the effect he has on her he takes a selfie of them "Now this is called a Gift!" He grins

Mere Dil Ko Tere Dil Ki Zaroorat Hai

Mere Dil Ko Tere Dil Ki Zaroorat Hai

Finally She had Figured out . She had Fallen for a Man who never could be hers . She walks out of the Mansion Leaving the Note in Her nightstand . A Breeze comes through her windows making the note flutter to the ground .

***

Aditya sits down on the Floor leaning to the Cupboard in his Art Gallery . Resting One hand on his Knees His lips curve up remembering A Memory with His Mother .

"Mamma Why Do you Collect Red Roses Each Day?" Little Adi asks her confused pouting his lips .

Anjana smiles at him as She says " Your Papa Loves Red Roses Adi , I used to give him one every day when he comes home !" her eyes covers in glassy tears as She smiles and tries to wipe her tears away .

"Mamma But Papa doesn't come naah?" He asks sadly sitting on the bench nearby .

Anjana Kneels down front of him as She takes his little palms in hers " Papa will come back Adi , Even if He didn't Can You Do me a Favor Adi? When You meet Papa if Mamma is not here , Can You give it to him in behalf of your Mamma?" She asks him hopefully as Adi nods throwing his little arms around her neck .

"Mamma I gave it to the Man you love Mamma , I kept My Promise" He says talking to her picture smiling though his tears .

As Zoya's words Kept haunting him and His Mother's words to meet the Man She loved . He had decided to Observe For his Father alone . He had Visited to the early in the morning before anyone had come over . And Gave the Flowers to Him and returned back before he would tear up . He never wanted to meet his Father Like this.

"I Don't hate him Mamma Like everyone thinks , I wanna Know Mamma Why Didn't He come to Us? I wanna Know my Why did he take his Life? I wanna Know mamma But I cannot get answers please Show me a way out please "

***

Mahi throws out her clothes from the closet throughout the room angered as She had seen How Zoya had been living in the Mansion and Dating two Hooda Brothers at the same time .

"That B**th!" She furiously yells as Madhu comes in hearing the noise . Her eyes widens to see all the things around the room fallen and thrown away mercilessly .

"What Is this Mahi?" She shouts at her .

"I am not leaving her Maa !" Mahi replies venomously clenching her fist as A Smirk plays on her lips .

"What Are you gonna do?" Madhu asks Confused seeing Mahi smirking evilly and typing something in the Laptop .

"She is such important guest for Hoodas Right Maa , So Let's Get to Know to what extent She is important to Hoodas That She ran away from Home to Live with Not One Hooda but Two Hoodas and Maybe the Third One too " Her Voice drips in venomously as Madhu lets out an evil smile .

***

"I wish even Aditya attended " Mr.Hooda says sighing Looking out of the Car window as Mohanji drives the Car .

Smiling Mohanji tells " Aditya stopped by the temple Early morning to Observe " , This brings a small smile on Parth's Face .

"If you don't mind Can I ask you something ?" Mohanji asks unsure . Parth nods to carry on.

"What Happened to Aditya's mother?"

"Don't Mention that Woman , She is the reason why My Son left me and Aditya had to grow up alone and She is Dead " Parth says clenching his fist .

Mohanji nods deciding not to interrogating further drives the car silently .

***

"Hi " Zoya waves seeing Noor Hugging Noor from Behind while She is cleaning the Tables at the Café .

"Zoya" Noor shouts in excitement as She hugs her back .

"What makes my buddy come here? Did the Hooda Brothers Leave you?" Noor teases winking as Zoya's face falls remembering Him Before Noor could notice She gives her a small smile .

"Noor , I was wondering whether I could stay for a night in your place?" Zoya asks fidgeting with her fingers .

Trishna was quick to reply " Zoya no not today , My House is Full , You know My Mother's sister's family is with us these days " , Zoya's face falls

"Noor please I could adjust somehow Only tonight? " Zoya pleads holding Noor's hands .

Noor so wanted to take her but knowing her Family She couldn't They always taunted Zoya calling her a curse for hell knows Why and had forced Noor to cut ties with Zoya which she didn't , She cannot let Zoya go through the same pain again .

"Can I have cappuccino " Both Zoya and Noor turn their head sideways hearing the Voice to Find Pooja standing there in the Café .

"Yes Maam" Noor smiles ,

"How are you Pooja?" Zoya asks nervously given that there Last meet had been in Aditya's room where She had thrust-ed the bag in Aditya's hand and left the place not even greeting Pooja .

"I am Fine" Pooja replies back Tension Feeling the air as Her mid drifts back to the Last time She saw Zoya was with Yash her palm holding near his heart .

Noor who looks at both of them too and fro finding them fidgeting with their Fingers . She understands they Know each other .

"How about You Stay over Pooja's place?" Noor chirps breaking the silence before Zoya could disagree Noor drags Zoya by her hand and Shoves near Pooja and Says her ,

"Do let me Know if My Boy Snores like a pig" Noor tells teasingly before Scampering inside to get Pooja's cappuccino.

Pooja and Zoya look at each other in shock not knowing how to react as they sit until Noor gets the Order . After Drinking her Cappuccino Pooja gets up while Zoya stays rooted to her seat not knowing what to do .

Pooja paying the bill She turns to go but not before calling out Zoya with a small smile "Let's Go "

This brings a smile on Zoya's face as She trails behind Pooja not before Waving at Noor .

Walking into The House , Zoya surveys the place it wasn't big like the Hooda mansion rather smaller than it and comfy too and Feels Homely .

Pooja signs Zoya to sit as She takes the seat next to her "If you do not mind , Can I know Why did you leave the Mansion ? ..given that you are Yash's Girlfriend After all " as Much Hard Pooja felt right now She had to let it out .

Zoya sighs as She starts fidgeting with her dupatta and proceeds to tell Pooja that Yash and She were just pretending for A Night and There is nothing going in between them and The reason She is living the Mansion due to The Job assigned to her By Mr.Hooda . She does not tell what's going on between her And Aditya or Aditya's thing of stealing her . She does not know why she omits it .

Pooja's lips curve up in a small smile but She masks it up before Zoya could notice . Zoya looks at Pooja intently as She Fins Pooja Looking more comfortable and relaxed than before . Her mind drifts to Aditya Is She doing Correct? If Pooja starts pursuing Yash then Adi he would be heartbroken , Am I Right? Zoya questions herself as Much as She had concluded She likes Aditya she isn't sure whether She could bear to see his heart broken giving that He had gone through so much pain in his life .

Pooja takes Zoya to her Room and tells her to rest , Zoya's eyes falls on the photo frame in the nightstand with two boys and A Girl in the middle Hugging each other .

"Isn't it the Same Picture Yash too has?" Zoya asks Pooja who nods uncomfortably .

"That is Yash , This is Me and That is My Brother " Pooja's voice cracks at the end ,

"Where is he?" Zoya questions her back not knowing the inner turmoil Pooja is going through .

"He died when we were young in an accident " Pooja tells as tears sliding down remembering her brother .

Zoya instantly hugs Pooja from Behind soothing her arms as She runs her fingers through Pooja's hairs and says "Sshh I am Sorry , and Why are you crying? He didn't Leave You Pooja , He is with you in your heart ." Zoya tells assuring her .

Pooja smiles through her tears as She turns around and hugs Zoya "He is with Me Zoya " Pooja repeats placing a hand on Zoya's head and the other hand on her shoulder . Zoya hugs her back overjoyed Feeling some unknown emotion stirring in her heart .

That Night Pooja and Zoya settle on Bed splitting the bed into two as they Keep talking randomly laughing occasionally . Feeling tired they decide to call it a night .

"I'll Drop you to college Tomorrow " Pooja tells Zoya making Zoya open her eyes instantly as She gives Pooja a smile

" It is not needed Pooja "

"It is Zoya I will Drop and it is Final " She tells patting Zoya to sleep and stop arguing with her .

***

Mohanji decides to drop by Zoya's room and inform her that Aditya attended reminiscing the sulking face Zoya had . He knocks on her door twice not knowing She has Moved out .

Aditya who passes by Zoya's room stops seeing Mohanji tapping Zoya's Door .Walking closely to Mohanji he stops near him .

"Aditya You are here ? Well Could You please let Zoya that you attended the memorial She was so hurt that you didn't , I am sure you did it because of her " .

"of course not ..Not because of Zoya " Adi tells quickly though he himself knows the truth .

Mohanji does not buy his answer but Just let it Go " Talk to her once " saying that He leaves the place thinking Zoya might have slept.

Adi contemplates whether to talk to her now or in the morning . Bringing his hand to tap on the door he takes it back deciding not to disturb her sleep and walks into his room with a small smile remembering The time spent with Zoya alone yesterday .

***

Adi's eyes widens in bewildered as He sees Zoya's clothes torn into shreds covering her body halfway as She sobbed to Leave her .

"Zoya " He whispers

Hearing a Voice Zoya pushes the Man away who is hovering over her as She shouts "Aditya" , within seconds She was in his arms as She sobbed loudly wetting his Shirt digging her head onto his chest as He hugged her back tightly shocked to See her in that state.

***

How is the Chapter?

Do Drop a Word