Chapter 6

"Aditya " She bites her lower lip nervously hearing the voice echoing through the hallway , She runs through the corridors to Find him calling her name in the hall .

She lets out a sigh panting heavily trying to catch her breath nervously .

"Adi—ty-a" Her voice comes out tired with all the running

Adi turns around to see her trying to catch her breath "Did You run?" He asks her confused

"Haan "

"Why?" He asks confused

She fidgets with her fingers nervously Should She tell him that she was trying to break into a locked room? She feels restless as if She had tried to commit a crime

"I was strolling around the Flat and When you called –" Suddenly she gets angry as She says "Can't You call like a normal human than screeching? "

Aditya narrows his brows taking a step towards her "People usually tend to get scared when they do something wrong ",

With each step he took forward Zoya takes a step back – The mischievousness twinkling in his orbs and the way his eyes gazed hers was something new for Zoya that made her speechless and feel a tingling sensation .

"I—wasn't " She fumbles with words as She finds herself leaning against the wall .

"You wasn't what" He asks mischievously bending down to her level while swiftly placing his arm blocking her either ways .

"I—I-" Her throat dries up feeling him inches apart from her face .

Aditya enjoyed teasing her and the way her eyes ran around his face searching for answers or rather pleading to move away .

Zoya was quick to notice the teasing smirk on his face She places her palms on his chest and pushes him back as she says sarcastically "Strolling around the haunted House when the Devil decided to show up "

Aditya frowns and holds her wrist twirling her around so her back was touching his front "So I am the Devil?" He whispers on her ears .

Zoya draws a deep breath trying to calm her racing heartbeat with the closeness. She feels happy seeing him trying to make their relationship work with teasing and few moments which She could relish forever .

Zoya looks over her shoulder to answer him but their moment is cut off by the Annoying maid . Zoya frowns seeing him leaving her instantly.

"Aditya beta" She calls him too sweetly

Zoya scrunches her nose hearing her sweet sickening tone , She had been killing Me with her glares and rude tone now seeing Aditya She turns all sweet , She deserves an Oscar!.

"Zoya – this is Anjali maa – I call her Anju maa , She takes care of me since the past 5 years " Aditya tells with a smile introducing each other .

Zoya rolls her eyes seeing His So-called Anju maa scoffing at her but seeing him turning look at her . Zoya passes a fake smile at Anjali who rolls her eyes and fakes a smile .

"Anju maa this is Zoya –My Wife ", Zoya did not know why but she found her heart fluttering him calling her as his wife .

"The Lunch is ready Aditya beta" She tells and leaves not bothered to acknowledge Zoya's introduction.

Zoya shrugs her shoulder Who cares about the old lady .

"Let's Dine?" It came out like a question from Aditya as Zoya nods .

Taking her palm in his he pulls her towards the dining area . Zoya looks at their hands enclasped together . Maybe That One Day He would be mine is not far , Her lips tug up in the corners at her thought .

Aditya pulls a chair for her taking her by surprise as She takes her seat as he sits next to her . Aditya serves Zoya at First and serves himself .

Zoya smiles happily her insides doing bhangra seeing him taking little efforts to make her happy .

They eat in silence . Aditya was very well aware how her shoulder brushed against his as he sat too close to her but She was oblivious to her surrounding as she attacked her food happily. He chuckles lightly seeing her hogging without a care about her surrounding oh what she is doing to him with her mere closeness .

Zoya was very well aware of his heated gaze on her but She cared less because all she wanted was 'Food' Right now . With a mouthful She turns to face him to see him smiling at her amused . She swallows the food down her throat embarrassed and cheekily grins turning her attention back to the food . She shuts her eyes tight hearing his chuckle She sees through the corner of her eyes to see him shaking his head and having his food quietly with a small smile .

Zoya walks him to the door as he is leaving to office after lunch . Aditya stops turning on his heels shocking , Wraps his arms around her in a hug , Zoya gasps widening her eyes as he leaves her and walks away as if nothing happened .

"Children these days No shame !" Zoya comes back to her senses hearing the maid taunting her from behind .

Fuming in anger Zoya turns around to see already gone ,My Husband I will kiss him hug him do whatever I want to – Who the hell are You to question Old Lady? Zoya wanted to say it to her face but stops remembering how Aditya loves that Woman like his own mother .

Zoya's phone pings with a message to see a text from him , Her lips curve up happily ,

Get Ready by 7 Let's have Dinner out !

Zoya stands with her towel around her body after shower in front of the wardrobe trying to choose her dress . Her eyes wanders to the clock which struck at 6.30 pm .

"Oh F*ck! Just half hour !" Zoya screams panicking pulling out a ripped jean paring it with a pink kurti which had a front slit She dresses up soon . Curling up her hairs at the end She lets it loose and puts up a normal make up . Taking One last look while applying her lipstick Zoya sees the time which read 7 pm . Taking her clutch She sprints out of the room .

"Anjali aunty " Zoya calls out to her in a high pitched tone knowing it would annoy the woman .She giggles as expected to see the woman walking out of the kitchen with a pissed face .

"What?" She barks at Zoya

Zoya rolls her eyes What's Wrong with her? She behaves as if I married her son-in-law!

"Anjali aunty I and Aditya would be going out – So You can leave now – Come in the morning" ,

As Zoya had expected Anjali being nosy asks Zoya "Where are you both going ?"

Old Nosy Lady What the F*ck even you actually care Where We go aah? My Husband I can go anywhere and do any F*cking thing and you have no right to ask !" Zoya wanted to scoff but instead replies "Who knows " , and shrugs her shoulders , Anjali frowns at her and walks back to the kitchen.

"What is like wrong with you old lady?" Zoya mutters under her breath . Anjali taking her bag walks out not even bothered to mutter a bye !

Zoya rolls her eyes and chuckles slightly with her thought If Anjali aunty was her Mother-in-law ! – It would be battle ground everyday unless Zoya decides to make peace and Her Husband would be pulled each sides like a rubber band Zoya laughs out loud with the image she had made up on her mind of Aditya being pulled either sides .

"Thinking of You – Where are You Aditya?" She wonders looking at the clock which read 7.30 pm.

Taking out her phone Zoya conflicts whether to ring him up or to ping him with a message . Letting out a sigh she puts her phone back on the table front of her . Let me See What time He comes ! She decides , She switches on the TV and She shrieks in excitement seeing Tiger Zinda hai playing !

Her legs go up as She ducks herself on the couch while pulling the cushion to cuddle onto her chest . She shrieks excitedly . Her husband and the Dinner long forgotten . When The Song 'Swag se swagat' Plays She shakes her hips to the song and screeches on top of her voice .

The Film ends as Zoya switches off the TV , She gasps seeing the time which read 10 . Her stomach grumbles reminding She is hungry . Her anger knew no limits as She checked her phone not to find any calls or at least a message from him . She marches angrily to the kitchen to see the vessels all washed and kept in the corner . Suddenly Zoya felt chiding herself for sending Anjali aunty home instead She should have let the lady cook . Never ever Trust Your ditching husband! – She swears to herself with anger .

"Come home – I'll Kill You with My bare hands !" Zoya knocks both her knuckles together almost ready to punch his nose .

Zoya paces back and forth her hunger increasing her anger in ten folds , She could have ordered a home delivery alas She did not even know the home deliveries exist in here . Deciding to check up on Google , Zoya found herself burning even more seeing even internet ditching her .

She sits on the couch with anger building up as She sees the minutes tick by and hours pass by – It was around 10 pm in the night . Unable to hold the hunger anymore She decides to cook for herself . She admonishes mentally as to Why that idea never occurred to her in the past hours ?

Making herself a 2 minute instant noodles She digs onto the food almost attacking it with full force until she feels her stomach was full . She lets out a sigh of relief . Washing the plates and switching off the lights in the kitchen and hallway . Zoya sits on the couch and finds tears welling up her eyes .

"Can't I even Wish For once and Keep high Hopes that You would come as you said? You B*std Did I message saying take me out – It was you Who came up with the very idea and You ditch me again!" Zoya yells at his picture which was placed in the side table .

Zoya gets irritated with the bell ringing continuously throwing the frame on the nearby couch and switching on the lights She takes long steps with her tiny feet and opens the door harshly and open her mouth to cuss but stops seeing Aditya with another man .

"I-am –Sorry!" Was all Zoya heard for her anger to build up again but knowing She cannot just vent out in front of a stranger . She gives a stern nod but her furious glare Aditya knew he had screwed up pretty badly .

"Come in" Zoya says but her tone held a command that Aditya found him getting nervous .

Randhir makes Aditya sit on the couch as Zoya stands few feet away from them . Randhir turns giving his attention to Zoya "Sister Aditya got into a small accident " , Randhir found it weird to see her not even panicking but rather running her eyes around his frame .

"Erm—Erm—Sister – He got into an accident " Randhir tells again thinking that She did not hear him properly

"And What happened? " Zoya asks in a monotonous tone but her eyes held concern that she tried to search for any injuries.

"We were on the way in the bike and –"

"And?" Zoya asks anxiously

"And We knocked into a tree , His elbows had been scraped and it is bleeding a bit " Randhir tells grimacing

"That's it ?" Zoya asks as if it is no big deal !,

Aditya looks at her for a moment seeing the concern in his eyes and sigh of relief when she knew it was a small mishap but still the seriousness she was trying to put up was what made him smile involuntarily . Aditya had almost forgotten he had a date due to the conference he had to attend . Soon as the conference finished at 10 He had remembered him asking Zoya to get ready . Dashing out of the conference room He had found that his car and the driver missing as he had gone to his home due to an emergency . Randhir had come as his savior hanging his bike keys in his fingers . Wanting to get home soon Aditya had almost pressured Randhir to ride faster only for them to kiss the tree.

"Sisterji Your Husband got into an accident " Randhir tells dramatically

Zoya glares at him "So Brother , You Want me to sit around him and weep ?"

"Sister" Randhir calls her out to her shocked blinking her eyes

Zoya sighs knowing She is taking her anger out on a stranger . Dragging her feet Zoya walks into her room while Randhir and Aditya's eyes follow her moves .

Zoya comes back with a First aid box in hand and sits beside Aditya . Not to Forgot her glares which almost burned him alive.

Randhir bites his lower lip amused to find the Man who was known for his cold-anger attitude shuddering with a glare from a woman who was half his size .

Zoya vexed taking the cotton with antiseptic dabs it on his injury presses it hardly as Aditya hisses in pain as it stings . Zoya smirks at least She could get her little revenge from him for all he had done up to her now right? .

Randhir closes his eyes makes sounds feigning sadness for his Poor Friend who was be subjected to pure torture from his wife .

"Never Marry Randhir !" He mutters to himself seeing how hard his friend was trying hard to keep the yelps of pain to himself and sees Zoya smirking victoriously .

"Brother Now that You have got my husband home you can leave!" Zoya says standing front of Randhir after putting plasters to Aditya's injuries .

Randhir smiles nervously looking at her and Aditya ,

Zoya sighs "He is My Husband – I am not gonna murder him – You can leave !"

Randhir giggles "You know Sister He is the One who kills everyone back in office – To see someone taming him is a treat to watch !"

Zoya glares at him clicking her tongue , Already She was in a bad mood because of him ditching her again "You can Leave !" She repeats

"Zoya" Aditya calls her out admonishing seeing the way She is trying to chase his friend out

"What ?" One glare From her all it took for Aditya to keep quiet ,

Zoya walks behind Randhir to leave him to the door . Once at the door Randhir steps out but Zoya calls him "Bhaiya "

Randhir turns to face Zoya with an amused smile , "I am Sorry " She apologizes feeling guilty for taking out her frustrations on him.

"I was angry on him and I took out on You"

Randhir chuckles slightly "Zoya You are like My sister so apologizes not accepted and I am that Dickhead's Best Friend"

Zoya chuckles slightly seeing him calling Aditya a 'Dickhead' Perfect Name !

"I'll Get going So You can murder Your Husband without any eye witness" Randhir tells chuckling and leaves the place.

Zoya switching off the lights walks back to their room to see him getting ready to bed. Without a word Zoya walking to her side tucks her body under the cover and closes her eyes . She could hear him ask for her forgiveness but Zoya stays firm on her decision .Why should she keep forgiving when He is not even guilty and keeps asking on . Don't I have a heart? Won't it pain to see me getting outcast from My Own husband who had prioritized his work above me?

"Shut up I need to sleep !" Zoya yells sitting up seeing him keeping on pleading with his apologizes .

"Zoya I—am—really Sorry!" Aditya apologizes whole heartedly seeing her still in her casuals .

"You are hopeless Aditya" She tells disappointed and swiftly gets back to the pillow .

Aditya shakes his head in defeat and sighs .Why can't I put her above everything?

***

The Next morning Aditya was moody since he woke up , More like since the time he learned from the sticky note which was pasted on his forehead which read

'I am Leaving for Mandir'

Sighing he throws his duvet away moodily freshening himself up Aditya comes to the dining area to Find no food for him , Another sigh escapes his lips So much Punishment ?

Aditya's face falls as He paces back and forth for waiting her to return from the Mandir , Yesterday He had liked the small hug She gave him while sending him off yesterday .

His PA Ms. Mahi arora calls Aditya , Aditya takes a deep breath swiping his answers the phone only to hear his PA panicking

"Aditya Sir Where are you we have a Board meeting in Half an hour"

"I am Coming" Aditya tells in cold – business tone which said that the other person has to shut-up! .

Frustrated with himself for hoping so much Aditya pulling out the car keys from the table leaves . What He failed to ponder was that it would have been same for Zoya who waited for him for hours .

***

Zoya sits in the Mandir thinking how her life had taken a full turn upside down . Last week She had Been Just Zoya who lived a happy chirpy life with her Parents and Enjoyed each moments with them and her friends and Her Ju Bhaiya .

But This Week She was Someone's Wife , Someone's Daughter-in-Law , She had dropped The Malhotra from her name and included Aditya Hooda front of her name . Her Life from now on was filled with expectations from each people surrounding her but Non—Not even Her Husband was bothered to ask her What She expected , Her wishes , her hopes !. It was them who took decision on behalf of her .

Should She let this go on like this? , She feels frustrated pondering over the same thought over and over again .

"Just Show me away Shankerji!" She prays folding her hands front of the Shivji's statue.

Zoya removes her sandals outside the flat and sees the padlock on the door.

"Seems like he left " She mutters looking around for the key . She had purposely left early in the morning asking the next door girl whose name was 'Noor' whether there was any Mandir nearby? , For her luck Noor had nodded and not only that had accompanied Zoya happily .

Zoya had been initially shocked to know that the next door girl never knew 'Aditya Hooda' Lived next to her flat . Well Apparently from the information collected Her husband never shows up in the mornings only comes at nights and leaves early morning to work. So many were oblivious that a Hooda had been living along with them for the past few years .

Zoya could not help but chuckle lightly the way Noor had said She had a crush on Aditya drooling over him in Magazine Covers . Zoya had just passed a smile but inside She had found herself burning in anger and wanted to yell at that girl You B*tch Why the heck did You not see him before and trap him in your webs? You could have saved a Poor Innocent girl's life from falling in hell !.

Zoya checks under the carpet and around the window grills for the Key , Her face falls not finding a key around . Trust me I never wanted to see you old lady early morning Zoya wanted to scoff at Anjali aunty who was walking towards her with an attitude .

She stands front of Zoya sideways "What are You Finding for? "

Zoya felt bad seeing her not even ready to address her by her name or neither a beta but She shoves away the thought When her Own Mother-in-Law refuses to address her nicely Why would a Mere servant do that?

"Key" Zoya replies in monotonous tone

Anjali chuckles mockingly as She pushes Zoya aside and crouching down takes the key from the cactus plant pot which was placed sideway front of the door .

The mocking look hurt her, It was as if Anjali was questioning her right in this House .Zoya felt ashamed and embarrassment that She did failed to know where her husband keeps the keys then the thought occurs What is She to him? Is She a Wife? Or How is She even connected to him?, Yes They are tied in a knot and they sleep on the same bed but is these two things enough to give a title to their relation?

She bites her lip muffling the sob which was trying to escape as She pushes herself in not bothered about the old lady who was muttering cursing under her breath for pushing her aside .

Zoya hurriedly gulps a glass of water to calm herself from getting more emotional .

"We need to Talk!" Zoya talks to herself .

***

Aditya throws the files on the table frustrated , He could not work the whole day , Something was bothering him so badly , The Date on the Calendar , It gave him bad nightmares as he shut his eyes . Each moment spend with Her , comes past the curtains of his eyelids . He pulls his tie in exasperation as he feels sweat beads forming on his forehead .His fingers tremble as he takes it to his eye level – He could only see Blood Filled in his hands . Her cries – Her ­Pain .

Aditya cups his eyes as if trying to block the cries and pain from reaching him .

"Leave Move !" Aditya shouts as His eyes becomes wet .

Randhir who was next to Aditya's cabin comes running to see his Friend in a bad condition hyperventilating . Randhir holds Aditya by his forearm.

"Adi Breathe ! Breathe ! " He tells calmly soothing Aditya's arm .

Adi closes his eyes taking a deep breaths to calm himself , Randhir gives him a glass of water as Adi gulps it in one go.

"What happened?" Randhir asks

"It is 6th Randhir" Aditya says choking as his eyes shook with tears .

Randhir widens his eyes seeing the date knowing how badly Aditya had been suffering since the past years on this particular date which reminded him everything – What he lost. Knowing his inner turmoil Randhir knows only Zoya could heal him .

"Adi let's go home" He tells holding Aditya by his forearm .

Aditya chuckles sadly "Why? For Zoya to know what a Broken Coward Man She had married? – "

"Adi – You should tell her everything – She has the right to know!"

"How could I tell Randhir – Do You think She would live with me after knowing every little thing? I don't Love Zoya Randhir but I do not think I would be able to bear if She decides to walk out of my life -- I can't afford to lose her Randhir – I can't – I want to make her happy but each time I end up hurting her Randhir – I am so bad yet selfish!" Aditya whispers painfully as his eyes fills with tears .

Randhir did not want to invade to their personal territory, If Aditya had done something wrong to Zoya then it is He , who has to correct it by himself , Six Years back He failed to take decisions for his own life that he ended losing her but Today It is in His hands to Hold onto Zoya or let her go.

"Talk to her once – but Now Let's Go home "Randhir tells pulling him a warm hug.

"Let's go to club" Aditya tells but Randhir tries to shake his head in protest but seeing how vulnerable Aditya looked a little alcohol consumption would not mind right if it could heal his pain?

***

Zoya nervously sat between her In-Laws and Daadi who had come over to Mussorie to celebrate Lohri with them . Except for her Papaji non seemed civil with her to even share a talk .

Zoya had cooked food for all three for dinner with the help of Anjali who did not seem to like the idea of even helping her but in return She had got taunted from Daadi and Maaji saying there was less salt in the rice , More garlic in the Curry . Without stopping at that they had gone on to speak how the house looked messy and upside down . Zoya wanted to screech and yell at the two lady .Heck Your Lovely Servant is the One who is Cleaning Your Lovely home but rather she decided to stay mum.

"Shut up Anjana the Food is so delicious – I do not even have a vague memory of You cooking so mouthwateringly" Harsh was the one who raised his voice against their taunts .

"Zoya sit and have food with us – I guess Aditya would be late" Harsh tells patting the seat next to him.

As Much as Zoya was tempted to take up the offer knowing she could not survive hunger She doesn't because her Mother-in-law would not fail to pass a comment for that too. Seeing the clock striking 9 pm Zoya sighs When will this man learn to come home soon?

"No Papaji—You eat—I will wait until he comes" Zoya says softly declining as not to offend him .

"No You goanna eat with Us – He never gets home early !" Harsh tells disappointed

"Papaji" Zoya calls him softly trying to plead but seeing the way his eyes ordered her She lets out a breathe . Pulling the chair slowly She takes a seat looking from the corner of her eyes seeing Daadi and Anjana scoffing at her.

Zoya wanted the earth to swallow her up seeing the heated glares passed onto her side as She had her food . She wanted to eat the whole plate yet leave it halfway too but She couldn't , Food is her priority. Zoya gobbles the food down her throat hurriedly and walks out to kitchen despite her Papaji calling her .

Zoya bites her nails nervously seeing the minutes ticking by and the way Her Maaji and Daadi were looking at her like She did a crime .What is She suppose to do if they are pyaari baby boy not shows up on time aah?

"Maaji and Daadi You both go and sleep " Zoya tells softly

"Why isn't he home yet?" Daadi asks sternly , Before Zoya could say anything Daadi speaks "What have You done to him? He always gets back home before 8 but since he married You –He doesn't –" Daadi accuses her .

Zoya feels anger building up in her but still she decides to keep quite! ,

"Don't You keep him happy inside and outside?" Daadi snaps at Zoya .

Zoya had enough as her eyes shakes with tears whatever their talks and taunts were it always ended up with her pleasing him .

"I aren't a whore ! " Zoya tells softly yet sternly "I am his wife and I deserve that respect – There is a Limit I can be patient – Don't try to provoke me into saying something !" , Saying She leaves to her room ! F*ck him and his family !

"That Middle class talked back to me Anjana!" Daadi yells frustrated pointing at the direction Zoya went "Let Aditya come ! Let me see Who he chooses His Daadi or that Wife !"

"Ssh maaji calm down!" Anjana tells soothing her arms .

Zoya sits on the bed and wipes the angry tears which threatened to spill "Talk once again about pleasing him – I'll F*ck everyone ! " Zoya cusses under her breath furiously. Pulling her duvet she lays on the bed .

At Night 2 am Zoya hears the room door opening , Rubbing her eyes She sits up to see him almost swaying in the air .

Running towards him Zoya holds his forearm ,

"Zoya" He whispers hoarsely falling onto her body.

Zoya holds him hurriedly as he lets his arms hang around her shoulder . Zoya drags him to the bed unable to keep on with his weight over her .

"Zoya" He whispers hoarsely anger as She makes him sit on the bed

"Are you drunk?" Zoya almost shouts but in lower tone walking to lock the door .

Aditya laughs hiccupping up "Am—I—Drunk?" *Hic**hic* "Know –I just drank some" *hic* *hic* "to reduce my pain"

Zoya seats next to him angrily "What is wrong with you Aditya?" She shouts looking at his face .

Aditya takes another gulp from the bottle , Zoya pulls the bottle from him as Aditya tries to take it from her . She throws it to the corner as She turns giving back her attention

"What's wrong with you? It is not like the roof fell over your head right?" She whispers furiously .

"Zoya—I—Lost " *hic**hic*

Aditya stops blinking his vision twice seeing her front of him. Now longer he could hear someone calling onto him tapping him all he heard was her, her voice calling Adi

"I knew You would come" Aditya shouts happily pulling her in a bone crushing hug.

Zoya felt uncomfortable in his hold knowing he wasn't in his senses .

Zoya feels her breath getting hitched feeling his lips on her cheeks and running around her face pestering kisses . each kissed held love and gentleness Zoya wanted to drown in but She knew it was the his inebriated state making him doing things which he will not even think if he was in his senses .

Zoya eyes wells up as She shuts her eyes tightly feeling her pushed to the mattress with him hovering over her . She was left between her dignity and her duty as a wife which would make her regret forever .

"You came for me" Zoya hears him mumble against her nape kissing her collar bone . His hands running down her arm length and his hands rest on her belly pulling her more closer to her body.

Zoya muffles a sob as She calls him in a hoarse whisper "Aditya please"

Aditya stops hearing another voice instead of hers, He leaves her instantly as he holds his heads with his palms understanding what he was about to do few minutes back. Zoya looks at him with teary eyes.

"Zoya" He calls out to her painfully with tears brimming in his eyes . He puts his legs on the foot as his body sways still under effect of alcohol as He walks out of the room unlocking it not even bothered to spare a look at her.

Zoya wraps her arms around her knees as She cries He just rejected Me! . She never wanted to be intimate with him but the way he moved as if he was repulsed by her – It hurt her!

***

Hope You guys like it :)

I am Feeling a bit feverish so Cinderella update will take time

and Check out my New One shot 'Something Wonderful' based on a True Love Story