"Hello ladies and gentlemen and welcome back from the break. For those of you who missed the beginning, we are here today with Zoya Hooda, wife of Aditya Hooda and former model of Zosh, though I can't really say former model anymore now can I Mrs. Hooda?" the interviewer said looking at the camera and then directing the question at Zoya, who was seated across from her.

Zoya gave a sweet smile. It was 3 days after the fashion week finale and the show was a big success. Of course, there were those who opposed with the idea of a married woman modeling, but they didn't voice their opinion in fear of getting on Aditya Hooda's bad side. As for many others, they were all curious about her comeback. This lead her to her current situation, seated across from the lady interviewer, answering questions that were on everybody's mind.

"How does it feel to be working again after almost a 3 year gap?" the interviewer asked.

"It feels amazing. I used to love my career and it felt great to walk the ramp again. I was so nervous, but I hope everyone enjoyed the show." Zoya answered politely.

"I'm sure they did and you didn't look nervous on the ramp at all. It was as if you never stopped working" the interviewer complimented, receiving a 'thank you' from Zoya.

"What do have to say about the rumors surrounding your marriage? A few skeptics who oppose the idea of a married woman modeling stated that your husband was against it, but you forced him to make you the show stopper." The interviewer asked.

"My husband is not the kind of man to be forced into anything." Zoya answered good humouredly, receiving a few chuckles from the audience.

"The idea was originally his. He actually surprised me with it on the day of the show and before I knew it, I was getting ready to be the show stopper." Zoya answered as truthfully as possible, keeping out the other details.

"So what are your plans now? Will we see a lot more of you?" the interviewer asked a final question of the evening.

"Well, as much as I love my career, I love my husband and my daughter more. I will do a few assignments here and there, but my family definitely comes first in my life." Zoya answered truthfully, the simple thought of Aditya and Adiya bringing a serene look to her face. The decision of her career taking a backseat in her life not difficult for her anymore. Unlike before, she doesn't regret it. This time around, it was completely her choice to put her family before her career...and she wouldn't have it any other way.

"Thank you for your time Mrs. Hooda. Well that was it ladies and gentlemen. Don't forget to tune in again, same time same place. Have a good evening." The interviewer said looking into the camera, concluding the interview.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'

Back at Hooda mansion, Zoya stood out on the balcony and ran a towel through her damp hair. She reached home about an hour ago from the interview and tended to Adiya, putting her to sleep before taking a nice shower. And now...she waited for Aditya to return home. A smile graced her lips at the thought of him and she closed her eyes...remembering...

*Flashback*

Aditya and Zoya entered their house late at night. After their public display of affection on the ramp, things have been pleasantly awkward between them, like they were a new couple barely starting their relationship. They enjoyed themselves at the finale after party, but Zoya kept a little distance between them due to shyness and Aditya's hands were itching to touch her. That's why as soon the door closed when they entered their house; Aditya pulled Zoya in for a sweet kiss. She shyly kissed back and let out a gasp when she felt herself being lifted bridal style.

Aditya carried her to their bedroom and gently placed her back on her feet when they were inside. No words were exchanged. There was no need for them. Aditya knew that he was forgiven after Zoya kissed him in front of everybody. And Zoya never felt more loved then at that moment in the changing room. Aditya's words touched her so much, that she would have given him anything he asked at that moment. But he didn't...he didn't ask for anything in return...what he did was selfless...and in that moment...she fell all over in love with him.

Aditya had his arms around Zoya's waist and she rested her hands on his chest. They simply looked at each other...their silence speaking volumes. Aditya then leaned in for another sweet kiss and he gently started undressing her. Zoya followed suit and started unbuttoning his shirt.

Aditya placed a soft kiss on her exposed shoulder, and slowly tugged the dress down, his lips following the trail. Zoya's head fell back as she felt different sensations burst within her. She then slipped his shirt over his shoulders and daringly pressed her now naked body to his.

Desire shot through both of them as skin met skin. Aditya saw her pulse hammering on her neck, and placed a gentle kiss on it. He then moved her back and gently pushed her on the bed before getting on top of her. He took his time with her...savoring every taste...every touch...as if they had all the time in the world.

At one point, however, she pulled back and looked up at him. When Aditya gazed down at her, she softly spoke, "Say it..." Zoya whispered. "I need to hear you say it..."

Aditya brushed a few strands of hair from Zoya's face before placing his hand on her cheek. "I love you..." he softly whispered back.

Zoya let out a sigh and pulled Aditya down to her so their foreheads touched. She soaked in those words. "Say it again..." she murmured.

"I love you..." Aditya said a second time, this time with more emotion.

Warmth filled Zoya's chest as he said it again. She yearned to hear those words from him for so many years...and now he finally did. All the pain...all the heartache...all the misery...it all faded. Zoya felt the last few shards of ice melt away...and her heart started beating again.

She looked at him and replied with emotion, "I love you too...so much..."

"I know..." Aditya murmured, "I always knew..." he said and lowered himself to her for a searing kiss.

The night was filled with hushed tones and soft touches. Gentle caresses and whispered promises...and kisses sealing those promises... as two lost souls rediscovered each other.

*Flashback end*

Zoya opened her eyes as she felt a pair of strong arms encircle her waist from the back. Her heart skipped a beat when she felt Aditya place a soft kiss on her neck and rest his chin on her shoulder. She closed her eyes again and simply enjoyed his presence.

"When did you get back?" She asked after a few moments.

"Just a few minutes ago. What were you thinking about? You didn't even hear me approach you." Aditya asked curiously, remaining in the same position.

"Just reflecting on everything that's happened." Zoya answered back.

"Content?" Aditya asked. Zoya shook her head, disagreeing, and replied, "Happy..." She then turned to wrap her arms around Aditya's neck, "...So very happy..." She said and lifted her face to give him a kiss.

They were interrupted with a baby's wail, indicating that Adiya was up.

"Go and freshen up, I'll take care of Adiya." Zoya said and made her way to the nursery.

As Aditya showered, Zoya tried to sooth Adiya. But she was being restless again tonight and so she decided to take her to her and Aditya's bedroom.

After 10 minutes, Aditya came out of the bathroom to find Zoya walking about the room, still trying to calm a restless Adiya.

"She's still giving trouble?" Aditya asked the obvious.

When Zoya confirmed, Aditya sat on the bed and leaned on the head post. He then pulled Zoya down to sit between his legs and lean against his chest. Aditya then wrapped both his arms around Zoya and Adiya, placing his hands over Zoya's so they were both holding their daughter.

Adiya gradually hushed, feeling the warmth of both her parents, and Aditya gently rocked, lulling his family and himself to a peaceful sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everyone is searching for a place that can heal their pain. I was too. Just like everybody, I was in search of a place that can rid me of my sorrow. But it wasn't a place that healed my pain...it was my husband.

When fate brought Aditya and I together, he caused immense pain...so much that my heart turned to ice. But the ice could not endure the warmth of his embrace. Dreams were rebuilt...trust was regained...and like the slow melting of frost in the heat of the rising sun, love in the ice breathed new life into a weakened heart...and caused it to beat once again...

~THE END~

And that's a wrap readers! Thank you thank you thank you so much for reading Love in the Ice. It truly means alot when you still stick around to read stories on Aditya and Zoya. I really hope this story lived up to your expectations. It's definitely different from Saiyyan...and as mentioned before it is a short story...so don't be disappointed that it ended. 

Please remember to leave comments...tell me what you likes and didn't like. I always enjoy reading your comments and that inspires me to write more. if i don't see comments...i usually dont write because that to me looks like no one is reading my stuff. so please comment when you can!

Until the next story my lovely readers!

Best,JCluvs srk