Chapter 12

Aditya stretches his arms while yawning as he sleepily rubs his eyes and looks to his left to see the clock which shows he had slept for thirty minutes . Aditya sits up still rubbing his eyes while yawning continuously placing his palm over his mouth Aditya rolls his neck to get the aches out of the body . Putting his feet on the floor while wearing his slippers Aditya paces towards the washroom but stops few feet away as his eyes falls on the photo frame hung on the right side of the wall .

It was their Marriage Picture

Aditya finds himself already holding the photo frame in his hands . His smile blooms seeing how serene she looked with her closed eyes and her lips tugged up in the corners and the rosy tinge adorned in her cheeks . The photo was captured when Aditya placed vermillion on her parting . His fingers caressing her face . He wants to hide in her smile . MAY BE His decision to marry her wasn't wrong after all . His lips tugged up as He brings the photo to his eye level he places a small kiss on her forehead on the picture lost in her . He comes back to his senses hearing the maid knocking on the door .

"Aditya sir – Breakfast is ready !"

Aditya turns around to see the maid blushing with a light chuckle walking away . Aditya's eyes widen as a small chuckle leaves his lips seeing him acting like a teenager who had just seen the photo of his crush .

Aditya opening the zipper of his suitcase places the frame inside while closing it , Hanging it on Our room would be perfect , Smiling at his thought he walks inside the washroom . his sleepy eyes now filled with dreams . Dreams with Her , His wife , MAY BE ONE DAY he could admire the same picture while hugging her?

***

Anjana looks down at her lap to see Zoya sleeping peacefully with a small pout . Anjana chuckles This little girl had captured her heart so soon , Anjana's eyes turns remorseful as She remembers the way she behaved with Zoya , how can think that she is a fox? , Zoya was pure and innocent and selfless , Anjana sums up as She caresses her hairs .

Zoya was a chatterbox and literally could not stop talking . Anjana and Harsh had listened to her banters silently seeing how expressive she was , her hands and eyes widening in expression which each word made them laugh so much that Anjana could swear that She had tears due to all the laughing with Zoya around none could feel alone and bored . She cannot keep her lips zipped for even a minute and with all the cute banters Zoya had fallen asleep tired in Anjana's lap . Harsh had left awhile ago kissing Zoya on her temple not before saying Anjana

"She is precious ! and Lively , Our Son is Lucky!"

Anjana had nodded agreeing with a small smile. Aditya was the exact opposite of Zoya , He was the silent type who never got into conversation when only his opinion was needed he opened his mouth . He loved silence around him while Zoya hated silence -it suffocated her !.

Aditya takes a sit beside Anjana surprised to see Zoya curled up in her lap sleeping like a baby with an adorable pout . The moment he saw her pouts Aditya knew he would gonna go crazy in future it made him have unwanted thoughts which he should not desire at least not in this stage of their relationship where the path is unclear . Shoving away his thoughts he decides to have a talk with his Mom .

"How are you Adi?" Anjana asks while placing a palm on his cheek . Aditya places his head on her shoulder while Anjana pats him on his cheeks . His eyes darts down to her sleeping form . For the first time she slept free from forehead lines and frowns . Unknown to her Aditya had a habit of staring at her sleeping at nights . Each time he found the crease of lines on her forehead he would run his fingers on her forehead and instantly he would see a small smile appear on her lips before he would take his hand back and get back to sleep . He knew he was the reason for her disturbed sleep she has over the nights but he was selfish – selfish to let her go or either let his pain out .

"I am fine mom " he says after a long minute earning a sigh from Anjana

"Don't lie to your Mom !" She says exasperated

Aditya removes his head from her shoulder and stares at her face "I can see you both have a problem Adi and I know it is my son who is not willing to open up !"

Aditya passes a tired smile as he rests her head again on her shoulder "I don't know Mom whatever I am doing is right or wrong – One minute I feel I should let go but next time I need it –what should I do?"

"Listen to your heart -- Close your eyes and relax If you see what you need –then it is in your hands to not let it go as it is precious –and if you don't –" She trails off as Aditya nods against her shoulder .

Anjana chuckles seeing Zoya groaning and stirring trying to get a comfortable position on her lap and then Anjana sees her tightening her around her stomach .

"She is a baby !" Anjana whispers not wanting to disturb her baby's sleep

"She is!" Aditya replies with a fondly smile .

"She is so lively and a chatterbox --- I hope my son's ear drums do not die !" Anjana jokes

Aditya finds it surprised to know that she talks non-stops but remembers well they never got into a real conversation right? Exception their pains and heart-wrenching conversations.

"Sassy too !" Aditya adds

"Put her to bed – Let her sleep for sometime – if Mummyji sees The Daughter-in-law sleeping on Her Daughter-in-law's lap that too in the hall on the sofa –Mummyji might end up getting a panic attack !"

Aditya lets out a laugh "Mom you still scared of Daadi?"

"I am!" She agrees

"But Your Wife is not!" Anjana says pointing at Zoya "She is going to end up getting into the bad books if Zoya keeps talking back to her each time !"

"My Zoya speaks from her heart –it is Daadi who has to understand and leave her orthodox thinking and beliefs ! I really do not approve the way she treats My Zoya!" Aditya says frowning while scooping Zoya in his arms and walks up the staircase .

"My Zoya Ahaan !" Anjana talks to herself amused with a grin on her face – "Only if you too stood up for me long back Harsh against Mummyji --- !" , Back then Harsh had been the Mamma's boy who dared not to speak against his Maa even if She was wrong and in the confine of four walls he would console Anjana and asking her to adjust – Time had changed him but His son was the totally opposite – She loved that her son supported truth !

***

Aditya puts Zoya to the bed but ends up tumbling his knee on the bed frame and falls over her . He finds it surprised to see her still sleeping like a log . Okay She is a deep sleeper . Aditya places his hands on either sides of her body careful enough not to touch her and tries to push his body back but He did not expect his wife to put her leg over his body making him roll to a right side . Aditya shuts his eyes closed seeing how She has pushed her body into his with her one leg put across his lower stomach .

"Get off me" He wanted to yell feeling all the blood travelling southwards but He keeps quiet waiting for her to move on her own praying all the gods ! 'Help me' as if god answered his prayers after forty minutes exact her legs drops down from his 'thing' as he heaves out a sigh of relief .

Aditya feels her hands going around his waist and her face snuggling more into his chest . He looks down and lets out another sigh . His hands now hanging half way through the air Should I hug her back? Isn't it wrong ? ...... but Wasn't this what I wanted after having her close to me on those three nights of my fever? . His inhibitions shed – Our problem can be solved later. For once he wants to keep his mind away his problems and his past – For once forgetting the difference he wraps his arms around her shoulder pulling her more closer to him .

The Cuddle felt like a touch of heaven to him , warm ,cozy and mostly they are together . Aditya looks down pushing a strand of her fringe which fell over her eyelids tucking it behind her ear . He looks closely his knuckle brushing her cheek as his heart wishes to extend the moment so he could stay close to her for a little.... Longer , safe in her embrace . Her arms wrapped around him brought him so much peace calming his storming heart which was filled with guilt of not saving her that particular day which made him distant ,silent and cold to the world . He knew it was She, his minion in his arms who gives him hope for the future , a Future with His minion but Was he too late? He fears that she gave up on him but ....wasn't it what he wanted? Then why does he feel the pain? ...

Aditya tightens his arms around her – If she gave up? Will I .....be able to regain myself? . He closes his eyes fears wrapping around the curtain of eyelids .

"Adi---Marry me !"

"I will Pooja One day" Aditya says smiling while taking her in a hug

"Now!" Pooja says looking up at him

"Pooja---" He whispers shocked as He leaves her instantly

A Lone tear escapes his eyes as He remembers the last conversation he had with her. If He had a slightest idea –that day –he was going to lose her –He would have married her then and there .

Looking down at Zoya he opens his eyes slowly –maybe he wasn't destined to be with her but rather His Zoya..

"Don't leave me like She did Zoya – She promised to stay beside me but ---She left – Please Hold onto me –Please" He whispers with his eyes filled with tears as He places his lips on Zoya's forehead "I promise to try my best to change –please" He whispers to her sleeping form clearly knowing she would not even hear a word .Zoya smiles in her sleep while placing her palm on his heart as if giving him an answer. His lips tug up in the corners while he shuts his eyes holding her palm securely in his .

She feels his arms going around her waist hugging her from behind . Zoya looks over her shoulder to see him close to her gazing lovingly into her eyes . She leans back pressing her back into his chest . His lips presses on the side of her head as she smiles .

Zoya flutters her eyes open as She finds herself all alone in the bed . She sits up realizing it was just a dream . She wraps her arms around her knees rocking back and forth . It felt real !

"At least leave me in my dreams Aditya ! "

Zoya chuckles humorously the sixteen old girl who dreamed off her prince sweeping her off the feet and those dreamy sighs whenever she ran into a movie where the boy hugs the girl so much in love –those eye-locks , hugs ,unintentional touches and loved-filled kisses --- She dreamed of them –one day even she could find herself in that particular scene with her husband . She never even dreamt of having them with a boyfriend because She believed in Arranged marriages where they found love after marriage maybe –she was too silly too even dream .

"But I felt him around me" She whispers to herself hugging her more tighter , His unique cologne hit her nostril that made her snuggle more and more into him .

"Zoya stop dreaming!" She chides herself and gets down from the bed seeing the clock struck 12.00 pm ! Zoya knew she needs to get some cotton balls surely knowing Daadi is going to kill her with her taunts .

Soon as She walks down her gaze locks with Aditya who was indulged in a talk with his Dad. Zoya could make out that His look meant he was thoughtful – a hope-a wish –reflects in his eyes but was it for her? Who is she kidding ?

***

Aditya removes himself from her and leaves the room to relax his mind . His heart was fighting a storm – Caught and trapped between his past and present – unable to let go or hold on to – unable to move on or wanting move on –The heart rages in a battle against itself . He wants to cry out louder for her once which he never did ! Since the time he knew She was no more but He couldn't the guilt of being a reason for her death makes him want to burn himself . That accusing eyes of them made him want to dig up his own grave .

Now Standing under the same tree where he used to seat with her . Aditya rests his head on the tree truck . He smiles remembering the first time he saw her in that Red Shalwar with her hairs pinned to a side with curls falling over her shoulder blade down to her waist . That was the first time eighteen year-old teenager was infatuated by seventeen-year old teenage girl Pooja , She had been here standing under the same tree bickering with her girl-gang .

Another sigh leaves his lips as Aditya runs his fingers through his face remembering seeing Zoya for the first time . After Six years after her demise , He was in the same park remembering his moments with Pooja , Their first meeting , conversation to friendship to seeing each other – His eyes held pain and a sad smile . He dodged coming to Delhi knowing his mother's plan of getting him hitched but this time her emotional blackmail made him give in reluctantly he had already made up his mind to reject all the brides –that's what he exactly did to half of the brides his mom showed – when his mom felt exhausted and tired of showing –did she let him have a rest , that's when Aditya decided to come here – to relish his memory .

At that split second he felt history repeating after ten years as he saw Zoya under the same tree in the same red shalwar which she wore and her hairs left open as She let the rain droplets kiss her face with her hands wide open enjoying the rain . Aditya for a moment felt as if Pooja was in front of him but the moment he blinked his eyes He saw her , Zoya, in front of him looking so serene and chirpy . For that particular moment Aditya found himself back in time as the teenage boy who saw his crush for the first time but the difference was he saw Zoya instead of Pooja .

Aditya taking three steps back walked away from the park back home where his mother sat with another album of brides ! He was disinterested but soon as his eyes fell on Zoya's picture – Something in him made him believe that He too deserved someone in life – A nod given by him made his mother frown which made Aditya learn that the girl was from a middle class but it was his Dad who said that Aditya would marry 'that girl' and His mom had to abide . Aditya wanted to ask his mom what was 'that girl's name but – seeing his mom already pissed he dropped the idea and as the marriage was held in less time he could not even get time to know her name that he ended up embarrassing himself on their first night.

Aditya thought Marriage with Zoya would help him move on and have a happy future but somewhere the remains of his past made him remind him again and again that He was responsible for someone's death and that someone who loved him unconditionally . His guilt consciousness pricking him inside that he was trying to be happy and make a life for himself by taking someone's life made him distance himself from Zoya .

Presently , Aditya stands up dusting his pants wearing his goggles decides to return back home still his mind reeling shifting between Pooja and Zoya . Once home his Dad was all up for a serious conversation chiding him for leaving Zoya alone during the festival .

"She is a gem Adi --- May be you do not know her worth now but you might know one day !"

That was the exact moment Zoya had walked down and that particular second his gaze locked with hers – hehad made up his mind he is going to try to move on , not for him but for her , He cannot afford to lose the Angel of hope he is bestowed with .

Zoya ignoring his look walks into the kitchen to find her Maa cutting vegetables while Daadi is sitting idly on the corner bossing around the maids and her Maa. As soon as Daadi's eyes falls on Zoya She opens her mouth to taunt on her sleeping habits but Zoya just to irk Daadi hugs Anjana from behind "Maa –What are we having for lunch?"

Anjana glares at Zoya looking over her shoulder eyeing Daadi but Zoya being Zoya winks at Anjana as She kisses on Anjana's cheeks making Daadi cough badly .

"Anjana what's ----happeening here?" Daadi asks in between her cough "Why is she calling you Maa?" –Aii Ladki –What type of behavior is this with your Mother-in-law? Aiii Anjanai"

"Ji—ji---Mummyji" Anjana fumbles as Zoya presses her lips in a thin line to stop the giggle that was trying to suppress the giggles .

"She is calling you Maa—not maaji are you deaf?" Daadi yells keeping her hands on her hips.

Seeing her Maa stuttering nervously Zoya pouts and walks towards Daadi with her head hang low "Daadi --- I am sorry !"

Daadi passes a YOU-SHOULD-BE-LOOK but Zoya giggles "But I am not sorry Pyaari Daadi" Saying She kisses Daadi's cheeks hardly placing her palm on the other cheek and runs out as Daadi keeps yelling at Zoya's retreating figure .

Anjana slightly chuckles but seeing Daadi's heated gaze turning towards her she looks down continuing to roll the chapatti , This girl will kill everyone one day with her bubbly-ness !

***

Zoya dresses up in a beige color floral designed heavily worked shalwar – She parts her hairs in the middle straightening and leaves it open . Zoya moans irritated while wearing the heavily stone-worked jewelry " Why so much drama for a small Pooja? – Urghh on top of that this decoration on me --- I might end up getting back pain –neck pain wearing this heavy designs ---Daadi what a way to give back !" , Daadi had purposely send the heavily worked shalwar with heavily-stoned jewelry Anjana had try to protest but one glare made Anjana shut her mouth up ! , Zoya had no option but accept giving Daadi a cheeky smile not wanting to give the satisfaction of winning to Daadi .

Aditya walks into the room wearing a white shirt paired with a black waist coat which wasn't buttoned up . Nevertheless to say Zoya was drooling over her husband reflection in the mirror but soon puts up a stern face seeing him now looking at her with his lips tugged up . Oh god he caught me drooling ! Embarrassing Zoya cringes mentally but stops thinking He is my husband I can do anything with him so why do I need to feel embarrassed ? She pats herself mentally for her appreciative thinking but Why isn't he in a traditional suit? She wonders no wonder he does what he likes ! She wears her earring still having a cold face but still inspecting him up and down But He looks handsome and ...........hot ! ..oh god where is my thinking going? She chides herself mentally .

Aditya walks towards her and stands right behind her , Aditya sees her body reacting to his closeness as he was just inch away from pressing his chest to her back . Zoya frowns at him although inside she shivers feeling tingles – Move away jerk ! She snaps at him mentally

Aditya removes the hairs on her shoulder bunching it to a side – Zoya frowns but a small blush tries to appear seeing how traitorous her body to his touches .

"What are you doing?" She whispers yells pissed is he trying to show his rights? She erases that thoughts of quickly very well knowing he wouldn't because... She pauses her thoughts Don't go there !

"Freeze" He says sternly as Zoya blinks her eyes surprised as she stands still

Aditya removes the necklace which is twice her weight from her neck. Zoya breathes a sigh of relief feeling the heavy burden going away .

Aditya walking towards the closet comes back with a jewelry box in hand , Zoya goes awe seeing the beautiful piece front of her it had diamond stones but simple yet classy and most importantly it wasn't heavy for her small neck .

Aditya taking it in his hand holding her by her forearm turns her towards the mirror . She looks questionably at him as he makes her wear the necklace . Then bunching her hair he puts it back on its place . His hands itched to hug her from behind but he stops and takes a step sideway as she looks at him . oh god Daadi !

"Daadi –cannot chide you –when in her words a wife wears what her pati parmeshwar gives " He says winking with a grin and paces out of the room .

"Sankerji I hope he is the last of his kind –oh poor woman like me has to suffer –One minute he cribs – he distances himself –next minute he cares and moves closer –what does this man need?" She cribs to herself while angrily removing her previous earrings to wear the set of earrings he gave.

***

Hope you guys could understand Adi's emotional turmoil !

Vote & Comment I love reading them

How Far this chappy gets a desired vote I have in mind you guys will a get the next chapter soonish --A Long chappy awaits you'll