A few days passed since Zoya came to live in Siddiqui mansion. Her parents and Noor gave her space and didn't question her. They knew that Zoya needed time to sort out her thoughts and feelings. Harshvardhan and Anjana called her on occasion just to check up on her, but they didn't question her about Yash either.

The only person that didn't call was Aditya. Zoya felt a pinch in her heart. Why did it bother her so much that Aditya hasn't contacted her? It was her decision to come to her parents' house right? She was the one that was confused right? What did she expect? That Aditya will act as a loving husband while she pined over her ex? Zoya let out a frustrated breath and paced her bedroom.

When her phone started ringing, Zoya half heartedly answered without even looking at the caller's name.

"Hello" Zoya answered.

"Zoya..." a deep voice replied.

Zoya's heart gave a loud thud as her mind went into full alert. "Aditya..." Zoya breathed. She didn't need Aditya to confirm that it was him...she would recognize his voice anywhere.

Her heart beat quickened as silence fell between them. Neither said anything to each other for a few moments...their silence clashing with each other. There was so much that needed to be said...come back to me...don't leave me...I love you...so many emotions not being said.

"There is an important event in Hooda Hotels tonight..." Aditya began. "It's the first event after I was declared CEO...a lot of our business partners will be there with their spouses..."

"I'll be ready." Zoya cut in, not letting Aditya finish.

"Ok...I'll pick you up at 6pm." Aditya replied and the phone line went dead.

Zoya felt another pinch in her heart. This one more prominent that the one she felt before the phone call. She missed him. Hearing his voice made her realize how much she missed him. Zoya felt the first few tears escape her eyes until they started rolling down her cheeks more freely. She sank onto her bed.

At first...her heart ached seeing Yash again. She left because she needed to clear her head and decide if she should meet with Yash...if she should listen to his side of the story. Did she still love Yash? Would she go back to him? These are questions she needed to sort out. But now...after hearing Aditya's voice...Zoya felt her heart shattering. She was feeling lost...and she was feeling like she was losing something very precious.

Not knowing what to do...Zoya buried her face in her pillow and cried.

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

That evening, Zoya dressed in a sheer black sari. She applied her makeup, careful to cover up her tired eyes from when she was crying. She looked at herself in the mirror. She knew Aditya liked it when she wore saris...and without thinking, Zoya felt herself reaching for a sari when she was figuring out what to wear.

Honestly, Zoya felt a little nervous. Just the thought of seeing Aditya again...it made her feel giddy. Zoya gave some final touches to her look and her senses went into full alert when her phone started ringing. He was here.

When Zoya walked out to the drive way, Aditya was leaning on his Lamborghini waiting for her. He looked...breathtakingly handsome...wearing an all black tuxedo tailor made for him.

Their eyes met...and electricity flew. It's like the atmosphere always sparked whenever they were together. Aditya's eyes scanned Zoya from head to toe...and he felt like someone punched him in the gut. 'Qaatil...' It was all that came to mind.

Zoya's fingers fidgeted with each other as she walked up to Aditya. She felt herself flush at the way Aditya was looking at her. Her heartbeat quickened at the mere sight of him.

"Hi..." Zoya whispered, once she stood about a foot away from Aditya.

"Hi..." Aditya replied back. Not knowing what else to say, Aditya opened the car door for Zoya so they could be on their way.

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

Hooda Hotel's event lobby was decorated in grandeur. It was an important event. After all, it was the first event being held since Aditya Hooda was declared CEO. Every share holder, executive, manager, board member...anyone of importance in the Hooda chain of hotels was present to meet the new CEO.

Once Aditya and Zoya arrived, they got busy in mingling with the guests. It was easy for them to be in this environment. Being born into elite families, Aditya and Zoya were conditioned since birth to be in business events. What to say...what topics to discuss...how to hold a conversation with other posh business partners.

The rest of the crowd had no idea the turmoil that Zoya and Aditya were facing in their personal life. Tonight was all business.

Aditya and Zoya stood with a group, which also included Arjun. One of the younger managers looked at Aditya and Zoya and gushed at them. "Wow! You both look so amazing tonight!" The female manager from the Dehli branch complimented.

Another person in the group agreed. "Yes...tum dono sach mein ek doosre ko takkar de rahe ho."

Aditya and Zoya shared a look and politely thanked the group. The wheels in Arjun's head were turning as he watched the scene take place before him. He looked at Aditya and Zoya...and then at the dance floor. An idea formed in his mischievous head. "You know...enough talking...I'm going to instruct the manager to organize for some music...set the mood a bit." Arjun said and left the group.

As Arjun left the group, Aditya and Zoya continued conversation to keep the group engaged. When music started playing, a few couples went to the dance floor. And as Arjun anticipated, the group Aditya and Zoya were standing with encouraged them to dance as well.

"Common Aditya Sir...Zoya ma'am...you guys have to dance! This event is in your honor" Someone in the group tried to convince them.

Both Aditya and Zoya protested. "No...we still have to speak to a few more people..." Aditya tried to reason.

"Common Sir! Just one dance!" Another co-worker pushed.

Sighing, Aditya looked at Zoya and held out his hand to her. Zoya hesitated, just for a moment, and placed her hand in Aditya's, letting him lead her to the dance floor. The lights dimmed as the beginning chords started.

~Lag Ja Gale Ki Phir Ye Haseen Raat Ho Na Ho...~

Aditya pulled Zoya close to him and placed his free hand on her waist. Zoya took a sharp intake of breath as skin met skin. Her body collided with his...and she fit perfectly.

~Shaayad Phir Is Janam Mein Mulaaqaat Ho Na Ho
Lag Jaa Gale ...~

Zoya avoided eye contact. She knew that Aditya was looking at her, but she tried to focus on anything else but him. Because she knew...that she was afraid. She was afraid of what she might see in his eyes.

Aditya twirled Zoya effortlessly, bringing her back into his arms. His fingers skimmed her bare back, sending shivers down Zoya's spine. He studied every inch of her face. He wanted to remember every curve, every detail.

~Ham Ko Mili Hain Aaj, Ye Ghadiyaan Nasib Se
Ji Bhar Ke Dekh Lijiye Ham Ko Karib Se...~

It was at this moment that Zoya looked up and her eyes connected with Aditya's. They held so much intensity in them...so much passion. She didn't know if it was because of the song that was playing...but Aditya was looking at her like it was going to be for the last time.

~Phir Aap Ke Nasib Mein Ye Baat Ho Na Ho...~

There was pain in his eyes...Zoya saw it clearly that behind this calm façade...there was pain.

Aditya felt his self control break a little. These last few days have been miserable for him. He kept his distance from Zoya because he wanted Zoya to sort out her feelings. He didn't want Zoya to return to him because they were married. He wanted Zoya to return to him because she loved him.

~Shaayad Phir Is Janam Mein Mulaaqaat Ho Na Ho...~

Aditya's fingers tightened on Zoya and he lowered his forehead to hers. He closed his eyes...simply soaking in her presence. He doesn't know if he will be able to do this again. His heart ached at the thought that this might be the last time he is able to hold her like this. So he simply cherished this moment.

~Lag Jaa Gale ...~

Zoya felt tears creeping up behind her eyes. She swallowed hard, trying to fight them back. It was getting hard for her to breath. Zoya stepped away, a little abruptly.

She looked at Aditya and her heart squeezed. Not being able to take it, Zoya turned and walked off the dance floor. She kept walking until she found herself on the balcony. She inhaled the fresh air hungrily, trying to catch her breath.

Her heart was pounding, her breath was uneven, and she just needed to breathe. What was this feeling? What was her heart trying to tell her? Why was she feeling like this?

Zoya's heart knew before her senses realized that she wasn't alone. Her heart gave a loud thud right before she felt a presence next to her. Aditya...

Zoya looked at him and gave him an awkward smile. Aditya smiled back, trying to ease the tension between them a little.

"Are you ok?" Aditya asked, trying to sound casual.

"Yea..." Zoya replied. "...It's just a little stuffy inside...saans lena mushkil ho gaya tha..." she murmured.

"Saansein chura loon...toh baat hai..." Aditya replied back.

Zoya's eyes flew to Aditya's at that. The night Aditya said those words to her flashed through her mind. Those words were so intimate...like it was a secret between them.

They stared at each other and Aditya couldn't help himself. He raised a hand and cupped Zoya's face, softly caressing the skin under her eyes. "You've been crying." Aditya whispered. She may have hid the signs well with makeup, but nothing hid from Aditya when it came to Zoya.

Zoya closed her eyes and lost herself to his touch. She leaned her face into his hands a little bit. Her own hands wrapped around Aditya's wrists as he held her face. She missed this...the realization hit her that she missed this about him too. It wasn't just his companionship that she missed...it was also his touch.

It was such a tender moment. They automatically leaned towards each other. Zoya tilted her face up...waiting. The kiss never came, however.

Aditya let go of Zoya and took a step back. He turned away from her when he saw Zoya's eyes widen in surprise. "We should head back. It's getting late." With that said, Aditya walked back into the hotel to say his goodbyes to the guests.

Zoya felt the slap of the rejection as she watched Aditya walk away. Fresh new tears stung her eyes as Zoya leaned onto the railing. She felt a heavy sensation in her chest and she suddenly felt so tired. Zoya placed her face in her hands, trying to control her emotions.

"Babhi..."

When Zoya looked up, she saw Arjun approach her cautiously. His face was somber. When Zoya gave him a miserable look, Arjun simply wrapped his arms around Zoya and hugged her tight. Zoya hugged him back, letting a few drops of tears escape her eyes.

"I'm so confused Arjun...I just don't know what to do..." Zoya said in a muffled voice.

Arjun guided Zoya to a nearby bench and sat her down. He knelt in front Zoya and studied Zoya's sad face.

"Babhi...mujhse baat kijiye..." Arjun encouraged.

"When Yash left...I was so heartbroken. He was the first man I loved. I learned to live without him...I accepted it that it wasn't meant to be. But now that he is back...I should be happy right? I should be happy that we can maybe have a second chance." Zoya then turned her confused eyes to Arjun, "...Then why am I not happy? Why do I feel like I'm losing something..." She asked, the question rhetorical.

Zoya looked away...getting a distant look in her gaze, "Patha nahin...yeh kaunsi becheyni hai...Aditya aur hum bahut ache dost hai...lekin uske door jaane se humhe itna dard kyon ho raha hai? Woh humhe apne aap se kyon door kar raha hai?" Zoya asked, still feeling the sting of rejection, "...Aur yeh kaisa dor hai...jiski waja se hum uski taraf keechi chale jaa rahe hai..." Zoya murmured, trying to figure out what to do from here on out.

Arjun took Zoya's hand in his and gave her a comforting squeeze. "Babhi...aap aur Aditya bhai kabhi bhi sirf dost nahin teh. Aap ghar jahiye...aur taande dimaag se sochiye ke bhai aisa kyon kar rahe hai. Iss sab ke peeche waja hai bhabi...lekin iss waja ko aapko khud pehchaan ni hogi." Arjun comforted, trying to guide Zoya in the right direction without revealing too much.

Zoya loved Aditya. It was clear that Zoya loved Aditya. Arjun wasn't sure until this very moment. But Aditya bhai was right...Zoya needed to realize this on her own. She was feeling everything...she just needed to recognize it now.

"Come Bhabi...you should go home...get some rest." Arjun said gently, pulling Zoya up from the bench and walking her inside.

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

Zoya sat in the passenger seat of Aditya's car as he drove her home. Neither said a word to each other. The silence was deafening. Zoya stole glances at Aditya and admired his side profile...his strong jaw line...the look of concentration on his face as he focused on the road.

She wanted to say something...maybe ask how Harsh uncle and Anjana maa were doing. Have some sort of small talk to kill the silence...but nothing came to mind. Not knowing what else to do, Zoya reached out and turned on the radio.

~Paas Aaiye Ki Ham Nahin Aaenge Baar-Baar...~

Aditya and Zoya looked at each other the moment the beautiful tune broadcasted through the radio. Their eyes locked...only for a moment before Aditya looked back to the road.

~Baahen Gale Mein Daal Ke Ham Ro Le Zaar-Zaar...~

Zoya felt that pressure in her chest again. Why did she feel so terrible every time Aditya distance himself? Even something as simple as him looking away hurt her...why? Why did it hurt so much?

Zoya felt her eyes start to sting.

~Aankhon Se Phir Ye Pyaar Ki Barsaat Ho Na Ho...~

A small tear escaped and rolled down Zoya's cheek. She closed her eyes and took in a steadying breath, trying to control her emotions. Zoya looked out the window, hiding her face from Aditya. She quickly wiped the tear away so he didn't see it.

~Shaayad Phir Is Janam Mein Mulaaqaat Ho Na Ho...~

When Aditya pulled up in front of Siddiqui Mansion, Zoya gave Aditya a polite smile, hiding her emotions. When Aditya reached for his car door, his intentions to walk Zoya to the front door of the house, Zoya stopped him.

"It's ok...I'll manage." Zoya said., and stepped out of the car herself. Zoya politely said good night and started walking towards the door.

She prayed that Aditya stopped her. She wanted him to pull her back...she wanted him to embrace her...she wanted him to kiss her and make her forget about everything else.

~Lag Jaa Gale Ki Phir Ye Haseen Raat Ho Na Ho...~

He wanted to grab her and never let her go. Aditya's fingers tightened on the steering wheel as he watched Zoya walk away. To hell with waiting...he just wanted to march up to her and tell her that he loved her...madly...completely...truly...

And that is why he grabbed onto the steering wheel tighter and controlled his emotions. He has been distant with Zoya because he wanted her to realize her feelings. He didn't want his presence to confuse her. He wanted her to choose him, on her own, even with Yash back in the picture. That's when he will know that she loves him too...just as much as he loves her.

~Shaayad Phir Is Janam Mein Mulaaqaat Ho Na Ho...~

When Zoya reached the door, she quietly slipped inside without looking back. When she closed the door, Zoya leaned her back to it and let her tears flow freely. Why was her heart breaking? Everything she was feeling at this moment...was all for Aditya...only him...and no one else.

Outside, Aditya placed his forehead on the steering wheel. It killed him to know that Zoya was crying...he couldn't see her...but he felt it. He just knew. They were connected to each other...he knew her heartbeat...and no matter how much Zoya tried to hide her tears...he would always be able to tell.

Unable to take it anymore, Aditya shifted gears and drove his car out the Siddiqui driveway. He needed to get away...

~Lag Jaa Gale ... ~

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

how was this part? please say in the comments!