Chapter 45

Zoya gets a call from one of her loan lender . She answers the call "Hello Shuklaji"

"Hello Zoyaji – How are you ?"

"I am Fine Shuklaji- How are you?" Zoya asks with a small smile

"I am great –Zoyaji"

"Shuklaji –I know why you gave a call –I'll settle the last two installment in a two days" Zoya says quickly She had borrowed around 5 lakhs four years ago for medical expenses when her father had got stroke – Zoya knew her father would send Rs.30000 each quarter for her to settle the debt but Roop never gave it to her . Selfish they were but it didn't stop Zoya from weakening each quarter she would somehow collect the installment amount and pay off and because of the problems that occurred since last few months she had forgotten to pay of the last two installments

"No—Zoyaji –I called to inform you that you are free from liability – the last two installments were paid "

"Paid?" She asks shocked "Who paid Shuklaji?"

"Kali—yep –Kaliji settled the payments"

"Ohh—okay—Thank you Shuklaji for helping me out when I was in need " Zoya thanks and hangs up . She taps her foot impatiently wondering whether to call Kali and confront him for doing this Why is he doing this?

Zoya letting out a deep sigh dials his number which he had given Meena maa before leaving.

"The subscriber you are calling is currently unreachable" Zoya hangs up frustrated as she throws the phone on the bed and marches out of her room to clear her mind .

***

Kali is in a taxi just few feet away from the Hooda Mansion wondering whether his plan worked out .

"Paying her loans was a given if I want to succeed but did Zoya noticed it? Did that Old Hag call her?" he mutters under his breath keeping an eye on the Mansion waiting until Zoya walks out so he could get a chance to form an attachment towards her .

Letting out a grumble Kali gets down from the taxi "Let me pave a way to talk to my beloved daughter" His lips curves up in a wicked smile as he pays off the taxi driver and takes slow steps towards the Mansion .

***

Aditya bumps into Zoya who was walking lost. He holds her by her arms while steadying her on her feet .

"Watch on your steps Jerry" He chides her with concern . Zoya could only hum still her mind lost in the thoughts of her Claimed Father .

Aditya cups her face in his large palms making her look up at him "What's wrong Mon Amour ?"

Zoya shakes her head softly not wanting to disturb him each time . Aditya lets out a sigh while kissing her temple softly "Something is troubling you and you do not want to worry me –Its Okay baby –but When I am back you are going to tell me okay?"

"You are going somewhere?" Zoya asks instead

He wraps her arms around while pulling her in a hug making her sigh against his head "Yes baby—Come on wish me –I am going to meet an Producer –if everything goes correctly I would be able to Choreograph for a Bollywood Movie – and If it's a success I could have my own dance studio "

Zoya brushes her palm on his heart "IT WILL" Zoya says confidently as she tilts her head to look at him "I have trust in my l—" She bites her tongue as he looks at her intently wanting her to complete the word

"My?"

"Tom? –Yaa –When My Tom does something it is always a success" Zoya completes making him shake his head at her .

"Okay—got a go" He kisses on her cheeks and tries to rush but she stops him by holding his wrist

"Why?" He asks while his eyes running over the watch checking the time

"You are such a baby" She chuckles while adjusting his collars properly and his shirt sleeves which was one up and down .

"So what ? I have you to look after" He says winking while pecking her cheeks again and running down the stairs . Zoya shakes her head with blush adorning her cheeks as he took her by surprise . He could make her forget her worries with his few butterfly touches and small little words .

***

Aditya walks towards the kitchen and hugs Meena maa from behind while greeting her with a kiss on her cheeks " I see someone is in too much happiness " Meena teases while brewing the coffee for Khannaji

"Too much to be true" He tells remembering the moments with Zoya .

"Mama Jaan –I am getting late—Bless me that I get this contract" He says quickly

"My blessings are always with you—My son will be back with all the success" She pats his cheek lovingly while he kisses on her cheek.

"Bye Maa" He rushes out of the kitchen .

Aditya gets into his car as he gets a call stating that the meeting is delayed by an hour . He sighs while raking his fingers through his hairs Don't feel down it just got delayed . He gets down from the car to walk back into the Mansion as it had enough time to go . He stops right at the entrance seeing an Old Tall Man walking in.

"Who are you Uncle?" Aditya asks raising a brow

"I—Kali Thakur'

"Zoya's father?" Aditya asks pleasantly surprised while assessing the man from head to toe In which angle Zoya looks like him? Aditya wonders Does always a child need to look like her parent? –She could be like her mother His mind chides him making him get out of his thoughts

"Yes—Zoya's father—Real Father" Kali tells as if to make Aditya understand that's the only truth .

Aditya looks at him skeptically trying to look through his good looking innocent face .

"Would u like to have lunch with me?" Aditya offers

"You are?"

"Aditya Hooda" Aditya introduces with the sir name purposely to see any reactions from Kali

"Okay" He nods with a smile knowing he is the second grandson of Hooda's and trying to make some use of it ,

Aditya takes him out to a five star restaurant . Kali has his food in silence while Aditya had placed his elbows on the table while tucking his intertwined palms under his chin

"Thank you so much Hooda Sahab for buying me a lunch—I never knew Rich people are so down-to-earth" He gushes compliments making Aditya only give a curt nod at him

"How do you know Zoya?" Aditya asks after a full minute

Kali looks up while gobbling the morsel down his throat shocked "What does that mean?—She is my daughter"

"Oh—Sorry it came out wrong - I was about to ask how did you know she is here?" Aditya asks skeptically trying to decipher the nervous look in his face

"Hmm—I had been searching her for a while now and found through my friends"

Aditya nods with a smile "Why come after so many years?"

Kali places the spoon on his plate while shedding few crocodile tears "I loved her Maa so much so when My Roshana passed away I couldn't bear so I needed to gather myself and for the last few years I was debt ridden and even now I am not financially stable to take care of my daughter but I couldn't stay anymore away from My Zoya—I wish I could take out for a meal but I do not have money even to afford her a meal"

Aditya looks at Kali as he looks at Aditya while blinking his tears back Seems like Hooda Sahab is buying my reason . Aditya stuffs his hand inside his coat . He pulls out a bundle of cash and places it on the table .

Kali's eyes sparkles up with dollar signs but he is quick to put up the sad face again .

"Use this Money Uncle –Take her out for a meal –She would be happy" Aditya encourages while squeezing his palm slightly and assuring him by blinking his eyes .

"No—How could I?" Kali puts up an act

"Please For Zoya" Aditya pleads

"I can't possibly but because it's for Zoya –I'll accept it" Kali tells with a sad sigh taking the cash in hand making Aditya smile at him

"This is my number Uncle –You can always call me if you need anything –Got a go" Aditya says standing up

Once Aditya is out of his eyesight Kali pulls his collar while leaning onto the chair "Waah –Waah—What kind off a relationship you have with him Zoya? –This man is practically ready to throw his money if it's for you" He laughs "Why do I care? –All I need is money"

***

Zoya walks into Aditya's room as soon as he reaches home to find him sitting in a sad mood . Seems like the contract didn't go well Zoya walks towards him and takes a seat beside him . Aditya sees her through the corner of his eyes . She places her palm on his shoulder

"Don't give up Adi –what if this went –" Before Zoya could complete She laughs surprised as he twirls her around . She pats on his shoulders asking him to put down he stops twirling while looking into her eyes . She stares at him while cupping his face in her palms and brushing the stubborn strands away from his forehead

"When My Lucky Charm is with me – Why would it go wrong?"

"Lucky Charm?" Zoya asks softly in a whisper

"Haan – My Jaanu is My Lucky Charm"

"Jaanu?" She asks surprised while he puts her on her feet

He grasps her one of her cheek in his large cold palm "My Jerry"

She smiles while hugging him tightly "Why are you being too nice Cat?"

"Just to Please My Rat" He teases while wrapping his arms around her shoulder tightly as she hits on his chest .

"Zoya -- if this becomes a success –I could start my dance studio and then I do not even need to take Dada's help – I could stand own my own feet just like My Maa wanted me too"

"We will Adi" She assures making him smile while placing his head on top of hers .

***

Zoya walks back into her room after her little moment with Aditya , a smile playing on her lips , her phone pings with a Message from Kali as her smile flatters .

"Good Night Beta"

She massages her temple while hugging the pillow close to her chest while letting out a soft sigh and closes her eyes rewinding to the past .

A 7 year old year Zoya is bullied by a group of boys who pull her hair . She lets out a soft cry as the other one pushes her to the ground as she scrapes her knees , blood oozes on that spot as the boys laugh circling around her .

"How dare you boys hurt her?"

The little Zoya looks up while blinking back her tears to see Kali chiding the boys who had run away scared . he helps her on her feet .

"Uncle" She calls out while muffling a sob as he carries her

"Sshh—I am going to clean this then we are going to meet your Mama okay little one?"

Little Zoya nods hissing while it stings . Much later after dressing her wounds . Seeing the her puffy eyes and the little button nose . Kali pinches her noses while carrying her in his arms and tickles making her giggle

"Let's have ice-cream?" He proposes as soon the smile and twinkle appears back in Zoya's eyes .

Zoya wipes the thin layer which had formed "What is true ?" She whispers "My Papa is My Papa or Kali is My Papa?"

Seeing the time it is just 8 pm Zoya dials his number .

***

Kali is at the Casino fully drunk as he curses the slot machine as his losing streak continues each time . Seeing the money given by Aditya slipping away from his hands he groans while gulping another shot and tries his luck yet once again.

His phone vibrates in his pant pocket as he pulls out – He smiles cockily while his eyes mirrors with greediness "My Daughter " He laughs before answering the call .

"Hello " He hears a meek voice from the other side

"Yes beta" He talks after composing himself

"Can we meet for dinner –now?" Zoya asks hesitantly

"Why not –I would love to spend some time with my daughter" Kali tells happily

"ohh okay then – Meet at the restaurant down the lane"

"Okay beta", Kali hangs up happily while he hiccups taking another shot "Time to loot more money'

***

Zoya gets dressed and wonders whether to inform Aditya before going out . Taking a deep breath she decides to let him know before going out with Kali so that he wouldn't need to worry about her .

She searches for him in his room and down the hall ways seeing his Bike missing in the Garage.

"Maybe he went out " She mumbles and decides to have a walk down the lane .

Zoya sits on the table while fidgeting with her fingers which was placed on the table. Her eyes checking from time to time the entrance waiting for Kali to come . She was here for more than half hour now .

She stands up deciding to walk back home rather than waiting for him feeling the nervousness filling her . Kali walks in towards her .

"Were You were leaving Beta?"

"No—I was—" Zoya trails off not knowing what to give as a reason

"I am sorry –I got late" He apologizes while showing his palm for her to sit . Zoya slumps down slowly feeling nervous around him.

"How are you Beta?" He asks so affectionately that Zoya felt something in her heart Her father didn't think twice to her throw her out just because She wasn't his blood

"I am Good" She replies curtly keeping her answer short

"Why did you pay off my loan?" She asks straightly

"I haven't been a good father to you all this years –let me help you out at least now with what I have"

Zoya shakes her head not buying the reason Why not all these years? She wanted to ask but keeps quiet .

"How do you know My Maa?"

Kali sighs while faking a smile at her God why this girl has to ask too much !

"Roshana and I was friends from college –We loved each other but was too late to realize our feelings as I said that day –Roshana married Siddiqui"

"Okay—then how did Maa agree to start a Partnership Restaurant with You?" Zoya asks skeptically

Kali sighs while leaning back on his chair "Few years passed by—and we met coincidently and are plans were the same of opening a restaurant so we entered into a partnership "

"Did you have feelings for her then?" She asks perceivably

"No—I had dumped my feelings knowing it isn't nice to love a married woman" Kali lets out a sigh while making up lies

"Then how did you know I am your Daughter?"

God Girl – Stop with your interrogations Kali grumbles in mind while faking a smile at her . Instead of answering her question he clasps her palm in his which was placed in the table making Zoya jerk a little taken back.

"Do you remember the days we both use to play each day evening when you are over to see Roshana? -- You were so little back then—those tiny palms would hold mine tightly while you would pout at me each time asking me to carry you whenever you would get tired with all the playing – You have grown up to a pretty young lady"

Zoya stares at him longingly as those moments flashes past her eyes . Her eyes falls on the holes of the tattered jacket . She pulls back her palm .

"One of my friend is over here I'll just go and come back soon" She says hurriedly while pulling her purse from her handbag she walks hurriedly outside the restaurant .

Zoya gets back after 10 minutes with a shopping back in hand . She hides behind the wall as her eyes falls on Kali who was rummaging through her belongings . Her eyes looks empty as she looks at the so-called father of hers . She had gone to buy him a new jacket

Taking a deep breath putting up a small smile she walks towards him . Kali hops back to his seat seeing Zoya return. Once at the table Zoya asks slowly while giving him the bag

Kali takes it with a smile "This wasn't needed" He sees the jacket inside the bag and gives her a small smile

"Are you struggling of financially?" Zoya asks slowly

Kali sighs sadly "I wish I could say No but – I am Zoya—if I am financially stable I would take my beloved daughter with me"

Zoya looks at him a bit sadly moved by his words , Kali getting a sneaky look , he says carefully "If You could give me a bit of money for that—"

Zoya's face falls as she mutters "I do not have any money either"

Kali looks at her intently as he says quickly "Why don't you ask the Hooda Grandson ,Aditya, ?"

Zoya's eye pops out of her socket shocked "How do you know him?" She asks quickly

"Aditya gave me money to take you out" Kali lets it slip

Zoya looks at him in disbelief "Did you accept money from him?" She asks almost raising her voice

"No –he insisted—and it was for You"

"I am leaving" Zoya tells loudly and clearly and walks out abruptly leaving Kali behind .

"Urgh—What a day-Now I have to pay for the dinner also?" Kali frowns while paying off the bill .

***

Pooja is at the club drowning herself in alcohol "Why did you leave me bhai?" She cries "And he too left me Bhai—Why do the people I love go away from me?"

"One Vodka" A Man orders while sitting next to Pooja

Pooja mumbles while hiccupping . She picks her head up from the bar while her vision isn't clear.

"Pooja?"

"Raj—Rajveer?" Pooja mumbles

"How are you?" Rajveer asks He was a common acquaintance of both Pooja and Yash in their friends circle . Rajveer always had an eye on Pooja but she was busy running behind Yash who didn't give her a second look .

"This hurts" Pooja says pointing at heart

"Ohh Poo—What had you done yourself?" Rajveer takes her in a hug as she leans not in her senses. Rajveer starts hitting on her while acting as if to share her pain .

One of Yash's friends who notices Pooja rings up Yash "Hello Yash "

"How are you dude?" Yash asks from the other end

"All good" Pausing he continues "Seems like Your One-side lover found a new love interest" he teases

"Who?"

"Pooja"

Yash feels anger building up in him "She wouldn't Arth –Keep the phone without blabbering drunk"

"Am I blabbering ?—Come see for yourself"

***

Aditya walks into the house and gets bumped into Yash who was rushing his way down the stairs "Slowly dude" Aditya says balancing himself

"Where are you coming from now?" Yash asks gritting his teeth

"What are you talking about ?"

"Where is Pooja ?" Yash asks loudly

"Oh please let's just stop this –If you wanna give her something go give it yourself and We both are just 'Friends" Get that straight into that thick skull" Aditya tells sternly and walks into his room leaving an angry Yash who hits his leg on the stairs angrily

"Then who the burger is She with?" He worries for her safety as he rushes towards his car

Aditya's phone rings as he enters the room. He answers seeing it is a call from Kali

***

Zoya marches angrily into Aditya's room . Adi who was just removing his shirt gets startles by the sudden turn

"Do you pity me?"

Aditya looks at her in a loss of words

"What do you think of yourself When giving him money? –Did I ask you too? Do you think I need to depend on you financially?" She yells at him

"I always felt a kinship towards you –when you told me your family problems" She pauses while pushing him back a little

"But Now I Know we are nothing alike!" She mumbles

"I wasn't born into a rich family like you – Already it's hard to live my own life the way it is and now you had put in a more pathetic situation!" She tells bitterly

Aditya tries to take hold off her wrist to explain , it wasn't the case but she marches out angrily while telling him clearly and sternly "Don't You dare involve yourself in my life again Aditya!"

Aditya punches his fist in the air while raking his fingers through his locks "I didn't mean that when I gave him money" he mumbles but stops with his fingers on his hair remembering the phone call he had just few minutes back.

"Hello Hooda Sahab"

"Yes Uncle"

"I do not know how to ask –but could you help me in getting a fully leased apartment in Delhi so I could live with daughter Zoya?"

"Does Zoya know this Uncle?" Aditya asks surprised knowing about Zoya

"Yes—Infact it was her idea to ask"

Aditya looks at the wall in front of him thoughtfully processing all the tiny bits of information about Kali .

***

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