Acing Love: Rivals Unite?

Chapter 7

Nine months had elapsed since the previous winter, and as the seasons cycled back, the impending arrival of winter loomed in the air. The day was draped in clouds, veiling the sun's warmth and lending a coolness to the atmosphere. Though not oppressively hot, there was a gentle chill in the air, signaling the gradual transition towards colder days ahead.

Due to Mirha's fragile state, plagued by past trauma and bouts of intense crying, Zoha sought permission from Ahmed to take Mirha to her home. Mirha, yearning for Zoha's comforting presence, insisted on her companionship, urging her not to disclose anything about Zain to Farwa to spare her unnecessary worry. Together, they retreated to Zoha's home, where she was warmly greeted by Zoha's mother, who regarded Mirha as her own daughter. Whenever Mirha stayed over at Zoha's, she was always welcomed with open arms.

"Zoi," Mirha called out softly as they settled in, the room dimly lit as they indulged in popcorn.

"Hmmm?"

"Tumhay aik baat bataoun?"

"Haan bolo"

"Mujhe Zain se utna dar nahi laga jitna mujhe Adnan se laga tha"

Zoha furrowed her brows, pausing the movie and turning towards Mirha.

"Kesay?"

"Shayad mai bohat bahadur hogayi hoon yan shayad Zain Adnan jesa nahi tha"

"Kiya kehna chah rahi ho?"

"Mera matlab hai ke Adnan to bohat wehshi insaan tha woh to agar us waqt tum na ati to pata nahi kiya hota lekin Zain....Zain ne kuch bhi nahi kiya usne mujhe janay diya without any harm."

"Is baat ka maqsad?"

Zoha turned her attention fully towards Mirha.

"Maqsad ye ke shayad Zain.....pata nahi mujhe nahi samajh arahi but itna hai ke Zain Adnan jesa nahi hai kiun ke agar woh us jesa hota to woh mujhe kabhi wahan se jana hi nahi deta halanke gaari uski, drive woh kar raha tha moqa bhi usi ke paas tha lekin usne kuch bhi nahi kiya"

"Tumhara uspe se ghussa khatam hogaya?"

"Tumhay kisne keh diya ye? Jhoot, dhoka, fareb ye sub to woh kar chuka hai na, or woh bhi baba ke saath, agar meray saath kiya hota to shayad maaf kardeti lekin baba ke saath, it's totally unforgivable. Dinner wali waqaye ke baad mai ussay sirf aik cheez expect karti th or woh ye ke woh baba ka trust kabhi nahi toray ga lekin ab to woh bhi tor chuka hai ye alag baat hai ke maine abhi tak baba ko bataya nahi hai lekin uski meray dil mai ratti barabar bhi izzat nahi bachi"

"Or kal ko agar usne maafi maang li toh?"

"Tumhay lagta hai us jaisa gira hua shakhs kabhi sharminda hoga?"

"Farz karo hogaya toh?"

"Tab ki tab dekhi jaye gi"

"Mai tumhari rag rag se waaqif hoon udhar usne thora sa sharminda ho ke maafi mangni hai or idhar tumne pighal jana hai, tum pathar dil banti zaroor ho lekin ho nahi Mirha"

"Zoi, tumhay kiya lagta hai? Agar koi maafi mangay usay maaf kardena chahye?"

"Depend karta hai"

"Kiya matlab?"

"Agar uska gunah itna bara nahi hai ke uska izala mushkil ho to pata nahi lekin agar baat sambhali ja sakti ho to why not give him a chance"

"Or agar usne phir wohi harkat ki?"

"Maaf karne ki baat ho rahi hai trust ki nahi, maaf nahi karna lekin agar kar bhi do to aitebaar mat karna"